Hunger is an invisible issue. The government shutdown has made the problem even worse in metro Denver. Food banks are looking for support to meet the needs of the community and people are stepping up to help. Here are some resources to find food and donate to help.

City and County of Denver: Visit DenverGov.org/Food to find food assistance across the city.

Tasty Food Program: After school meals for children will be offered at Denver recreation centers.  Visit the Tasty Food website https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Childrens-Affairs/ProgramsInitiatives/Tasty-Food  for locations and hours of operation.

Food Bank of the Rockies: Find a food pantry near you using www.foodbankrockies.org/find-food.

Colorado 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across Colorado. Call 2-1-1, 866-760-6489 or visit 211colorado.org. The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Feeding Colorado: The collaborative effort of the 5 Feeding America food banks that serve Colorado and Wyoming to coordinate and enhance food resources, ensuring food insecure Coloradans have access to healthy, fresh foods. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org.

Hunger Free Colorado: Connects Colorado families and individuals to SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, free meal sites, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other nutrition programs geared toward families, children and older adults. Call 855-855-4626 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am.-4:30 pm. https://hungerfreecolorado.org/find-food/

Denver Community Fridges: A mutual aid project aimed to reduce food insecurity and food waste in the Denver metro area by providing outdoor fridges and pantries for anyone to stop by anytime. Visit https://denvercommunityfridges.com/

If you would like to support local efforts in the community:

Food Hall Drive for Food Banks: Stanley Marketplace is one of six venues across the metro area taking donations and raising funds for community organizations. Donation boxes are located in the main entrance area through November and will be given to Village Exchange Center https://villageexchangecenter.org.

Food Bank of the Rockies: The organization is seeing the highest demand for resources because of the government shutdown and high grocery prices. Donations are needed at  www.foodbankrockies.org.

Denver Food Rescue: https://denverfoodrescue.org/

CU Anschutz Food Pantry: The food pantry is open to all faculty, staff and students seeking food, hygiene items, and pet supplies. https://www.cuanschutz.edu/student/support/student-food-pantry

Denver Public Schools Foundation: Donations are used to help support student well being during times of crisishttps://dpsfoundation.org/what-we-support/prior-accomplishments/food-security-fund/

Denver Recreation Center Drop-off Locations: Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Denver rec center. Visit the City and County of Denver website to learn more. https://denvergov.org/Community/Support/Food/Food-Donation.

Denver Animal Shelter: Donate pet food to the Denver Animal Shelter located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. or through their Amazon wish list.

Resources will be added to the list.

Volunteer Opportunities: https://frontporchne.com/volunteering-opportunities-feb25/