Access to nutritional foods as well as the limited consumption of such foods are problems that continue to exist in the United States despite many programs dedicated to promoting healthful nutrition and eradicating food insecurity. This paper analyzes contributing factors to these issues and presents ways in which they could be addressed through alternative programs managed by and for the local communities most affected. It advocates for food sovereignty and critiques the neoliberal regime that currently dictates the food system in America through a case study of a community ran grocery program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Nongovernment domestic food aid fills a niche not met by federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. However, the community based food movements can still fall victim to issues that affect the food system at large. Alternatives and potential ways that the programs can avoid these pitfalls are offered.