Federal food assistance programs in the United States began in 1939 to bridge the gap between unmarketable food surpluses and widespread hunger and need caused by unemployment from the Great Depression. They have undergone many policy and legislative changes over the decades, evolving into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2008, with additional changes since.
Across Colorado, hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals and families rely on SNAP to help put food on the table each month. Because of the current government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be distributed at the beginning of November, as they normally would – leaving many without access to the food on which they depend.
In a moment like this, food banks and pantries serve as a critical lifeline, stepping up to meet the growing demand. With SNAP benefits delayed, food banks and pantries across our community will face a surge in need. To support them during this time, we’ve compiled a list of local organizations strengthening food security in our community. You can view the list below or access it here.
These are but a few of the many food banks and food pantries in our area; our Philanthropic Services team can support you with further recommendations.
Food Banks
Community Food Share | Providing food assistance to families and individuals in Boulder and Broomfield counties
Food Bank of the Rockies | Serving Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson, Douglas and many other counties across northern and western Colroado
Food Pantries
Denver Indian Center | Providing fresh food and supporting the community with food assistance
Downtown Denver Islamic Center Food Pantry | Providing essential support to those facing food insecurity
Jewish Family Service of Colorado Weinberg Food Pantry | Providing healthy, nutritious food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity both within and outside of the Jewish community
MetroCaring | Providing nutritious, locally sourced and culturally relevant foods through a Fresh Foods Market
Servicios de la Raza | Offering nutritious and sustainable food assistance on a weekly basis at sites in Commerce City, Denver, Adams County and Pueblo
Village Exchange Center | Providing fresh produce, meals, toiletries and diapers weekly to anyone in need in Aurora and Metro Denver
We Don’t Waste | Delivering quality, unused food from the food industry to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools and more
Family Resource Centers
Focus Points Family Resource Center | Connecting families to the resources that help them succeed
Mountain Resource Center | Serving western Jefferson County and eastern Park County through a food share market and other services
Sister Carmen Community Center | Supporting residents of Lafayette, Louisville, Superior and Erie
Farms Supplying Food to Organizations
Denver Urban Gardens | Serving 200 community gardens and food forests across the seven county Greater Denver region
Ekar Farm | Providing fresh food and produce to organizations throughout the Denver metro region
Policy Organizations
Colorado Children’s Campaign | Working to improve health, education and well-being of all children in Colorado
Hunger Free Colorado | Working to ensure Coloradans have sustainable access to nutritious, affordable food
Nourish Colorado | Strengthening connections with and between farms, ranches and communities so all Coloradans have access to fresh, nutritious foods
To find other local food pantries or organizations in a specific neighborhood or community across Colorado, visit: https://search.211colorado.org/search?terms=food%20pantries&page=1&location=Colorado&service_area=colorado