SNAP Got Smaller, Colorado Hearts Got Bigger

Hunger shouldn’t be part of any family’s routine, and yet tighter SNAP benefits are pushing more neighbors to the edge. We take you inside the fastest, most reliable ways to get food help in the Denver metro, from free school meals available to every student to the regional network that moves groceries where they’re needed most. Think of this as a field guide: what to do first, who to call, and how to navigate pantries with less stress and more dignity.

We start with the three anchors of immediate support: school meals that require no paperwork, the 24/7, 211 helpline run by Mile High United Way, and the Food Bank of the Rockies system that powers local pantries and mobile markets. You’ll learn exactly what to expect on your first pantry visit, which questions unlock better service—like asking about delivery, drive-up options, or culturally preferred foods—and how to prepare even if you don’t have ID. We also map out broader supports, including SNAP enrollment through Denver Human Services, WIC for women, infants, and children, Meals on Wheels for seniors, and the Double Up Food Bucks program that doubles SNAP dollars for fresh produce at farmers markets.

Community action takes center stage with JeffCo Feeds JeffCo and a district-wide food drive on November 8th, 2025, routing donations directly to school-based pantries so families can access help close to home. Along the way, we highlight overlooked tools like the Denver Public Library’s resource pages and faith-based organizations such as Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Service, and the Salvation Army. If you or someone you love needs food today, you can start with one number—211—and a few smart questions to find the nearest support fast.

If this guide helps, share it with a neighbor, post it on your socials to spread the word about the November 8th food drive, and subscribe for more community-focused updates. Your share might be the reason a family eats tonight.

Major Food Banks (drive supply and referral hubs)
1. Food Bank of the Rockies (serves Denver metro and Northern Colorado)
- Services: Food distribution to partner pantries, mobile markets, SNAP outreach and assistance, home delivery for homebound seniors/disabled (via partner programs).
- Phone: 303-371-9250
- Website: foodbankrockies.org
- Notes: Central hub—use website to find local

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Chapters

• 0:00 SNAP Changes And Community Promise
• 0:41 School Meals And Local Pantry Support
• 1:38 District Food Drive On November Eighth
• 3:08 Denver 211: Your First Call
• 4:28 What To Expect At Food Pantries
• 6:01 Food Bank Of The Rockies And Mobile Markets
• 7:02 City Services, SNAP, WIC, And Seniors
• 8:05 Finding Nearby Help And Key Questions
• 9:17 Final Encouragement And How To Share

Transcript

SPEAKER_01: 0:00

Hey everyone, welcome to Great Day Colorado's Community Update. I'm DJ Mikey D, and today we've got some important information to share about changes coming to SNAP benefits and how our communities are stepping up to support families during this challenging time. First, let's talk about what's happening. Many of you have probably heard by now that there will be none to a reduction in supplemental nutrition, assistance program benefits in the coming weeks. This is going to impact a lot of families in our community, and we want to be upfront about that reality. But here's what's most important for you to know. As a community, we believe no child should go hungry, period. That's not just a nice sentiment, it's a commitment our local communities are backing up with action. For example, Jefferson County is actively coordinating a community response they are calling Jeff Co Feeds Jeff Co. The name says it all, they are taking care of their own, making sure every student, every family has access to the resources they need. Now let's get into the immediate support that's available right now. Number one, students are strongly encouraged to continue accessing free breakfast and lunch at school. These meals are nutritious, they're reliable, and they're always available to all students. No questions asked, no paperwork needed. Beyond school meals, we want to make sure you know about other resources in our community. You can find nearby food banks and community pantries using the food bank of the Rockies local pantry locator. We've also got links to organizations like Hunger Free Colorado, the Action Center, and Community Table. All of these are fantastic resources that are here to help. And here's where our community really gets to shine. Our family and community partnerships team is organizing a district wide food drive on Saturday, november eighth. This is your chance to drop off donation items that will go directly to families who need them. These donations aren't going into some distant warehouse, they're heading straight to several ongoing food pantries at schools across our district. That means you and your family can access these resources close to home. We'll be sharing specific locations and times very soon, so keep an eye out for those details. I know this news about benefit reductions can be stressful. It's okay to feel that way. But what I want you to take away from this update is that you're not facing this alone. Our entire district community is coming together to make sure we get through this together. Remember those three key points. One, school meals are free and available to every student. Two, community resources are ready to help through Food Bank of the Rockies and other partners. And three, mark your calendars for november eighth. Whether you need help or want to help at Food Drive is going to be a powerful example of Jeff CO taking care of Jeff CO. We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have questions or need immediate assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to your schools, front office, or our family and community partnerships team. As a community, we're here for you. Thanks for listening and take care of each other out there. Be sure to share this program with anyone you know that needs help. Repost this on your social media to ensure the word gets out about the November eighth food drive. Stay amazing. Hey everyone, welcome back to Great Day Colorado Segment 2 to discuss Denver Food Resources Guide. I'm DJ Mikey D, your host for this important conversation. If you're listening to this, you might be facing some tough times when it comes to putting food on the table, or maybe you know someone who is. First off, I want you to know, you're not alone, and there are resources here in the Denver metro area designed specifically to help. Today, we're going to walk through exactly where you can find help, what to expect, and how to access these services. This is a solo episode, so it's just you and me breaking down the essentials. Let's get right into it. If you're dealing with food insecurity here in Colorado, your absolute best first step is to call 211. That's 211. This is a free confidential helpline run by Mile High United Way, and it's available 24 hours, seven days per week. They can connect you with food pantries, emergency food assistance, and a whole range of other support services, and they offer help in multiple languages. When you call, a trained community navigator will ask you a few questions about your situation and your location, and then they'll give you referrals to resources near you. It's a single, easy to remember number for a massive network of help. Now, let's talk about visiting a food pantry. A lot of people feel nervous or uncertain before their first visit, and that's completely normal. Here's what you should know. It's helpful to bring some form of identification and proof of address if you have it, something like a driver's license or a utility bill. But and this is important, many pantries have relaxed these requirements. Don't let not having ID stop you from seeking help. The most important thing is to call ahead. Pantry hours can change, some require appointments, and many now offer drive up options for convenience and safety. When you call or when you're there, don't be shy about asking questions, seriously. Ask if they have programs for seniors like commodity food boxes. Ask about baby food or formula if you have little ones. If you or someone in your household has dietary restrictions like allergies or if you need halal or kosher foods, speak up. Many pantries can accommodate these needs, but they need to know what you're looking for. Transportation can be a huge barrier if you don't have a reliable way to get to a pantry. Ask them directly, do you offer delivery services or what's the closest bus stop? They hear these questions all the time and can often point you to solutions. Now, let's talk about the big players. Food Bank of the Rockies is a massive hub that supplies hundreds of local pantries, shelters, and meal programs across our region. They also operate their own mobile food markets that travel to different neighborhoods, often setting up in parking lots for easy drive-through service. You can visit their website, foodbankrockies.org, or give them a call to find a distribution site near you. These mobile markets are fantastic because they often provide free groceries with no ID required. For broader support, we're talking help with housing, utilities, employment, and food all in one place. The two one number is your go-to again. It's a comprehensive resource designed to address multiple needs at once. City resources are also key. Denver Human Services can help you apply for SNAP benefits. That's the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps. They can also provide emergency food referrals. Another often overlooked resource, the Denver Public Library's website. They've curated information on local food distributions and free meal programs. It's a gem of a resource to get help. Beyond pantries, there are crucial nutritional support programs. Snap and WIC, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, provide ongoing benefits. Despite the delay in funding the program, you can apply online or get help from local agencies. Seniors look into meals on wheels. Families with school aged kids, your local school district provides meals during the school year and often through summer programs. And here's a pro tip to stretch your food budget, double up food bucks if you get SNAP benefits. This program matches your spending at farmers markets, so you get twice the fresh fruits and vegetables. It's a game changer for eating healthy on a tight budget. Many faith based organizations are also deeply involved in this work. Catholic charities, Jewish Family Service, and the Salvation Army all run food pantries and offer various forms of emergency assistance regardless of your religious background. So, how do you find the closest help right now? You've got options. Use the Find Food tool on the Food Bank of the Rockies website. Do a quick search on Google Maps for food pantry near me or one more time, call two one. When you call a pantry directly, remember your key questions. Do you take walk-ins? What ID do I need? What kinds of food do you provide? Do you offer delivery or help with applications? Finally, if you are in immediate, urgent need of food or facing a life-threatening situation, call two one. In a true emergency, call nine one. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength. There is a community of support here in the Denver Metro ready to stand with you. Thanks for listening to Great Day Colorado. Take care of yourselves out there. Please share the love.

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