SNAP Got Smaller, Colorado Hearts Got Bigger

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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: [phone]
- Website: foodbankrockies.org
- Notes: Central hub—use website to find local

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Episode Transcript

SPEAKER_01 (00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome to Great Day Colorado's
Community Update.
I'm DJ Mikey D, and today we'vegot some important information
to share about changes coming toSNAP benefits and how our
communities are stepping up tosupport families during this
challenging time.
First, let's talk about what'shappening.
Many of you have probably heardby now that there will be none
to a reduction in supplementalnutrition, assistance program

(00:22):
benefits in the coming weeks.
This is going to impact a lot offamilies in our community, and
we want to be upfront about thatreality.
But here's what's most importantfor you to know.
As a community, we believe nochild should go hungry, period.
That's not just a nicesentiment, it's a commitment our
local communities are backing upwith action.
For example, Jefferson County isactively coordinating a

(00:45):
community response they arecalling Jeff Co Feeds Jeff Co.
The name says it all, they aretaking care of their own, making
sure every student, every familyhas access to the resources they
need.
Now let's get into the immediatesupport that's available right
now.
Number one, students arestrongly encouraged to continue
accessing free breakfast andlunch at school.

(01:07):
These meals are nutritious,they're reliable, and they're
always available to allstudents.
No questions asked, no paperworkneeded.
Beyond school meals, we want tomake sure you know about other
resources in our community.
You can find nearby food banksand community pantries using the
food bank of the Rockies localpantry locator.
We've also got links toorganizations like Hunger Free

(01:29):
Colorado, the Action Center, andCommunity Table.
All of these are fantasticresources that are here to help.
And here's where our communityreally gets to shine.
Our family and communitypartnerships team is organizing
a district wide food drive onSaturday, november eighth.
This is your chance to drop offdonation items that will go

(01:49):
directly to families who needthem.
These donations aren't goinginto some distant warehouse,
they're heading straight toseveral ongoing food pantries at
schools across our district.
That means you and your familycan access these resources close
to home.
We'll be sharing specificlocations and times very soon,
so keep an eye out for thosedetails.

(02:09):
I know this news about benefitreductions can be stressful.
It's okay to feel that way.
But what I want you to take awayfrom this update is that you're
not facing this alone.
Our entire district community iscoming together to make sure we
get through this together.
Remember those three key points.
One, school meals are free andavailable to every student.
Two, community resources areready to help through Food Bank

(02:31):
of the Rockies and otherpartners.
And three, mark your calendarsfor november eighth.
Whether you need help or want tohelp at Food Drive is going to
be a powerful example of Jeff COtaking care of Jeff CO.
We'll keep you updated as moreinformation becomes available.
In the meantime, if you havequestions or need immediate
assistance, don't hesitate toreach out to your schools, front
office, or our family andcommunity partnerships team.

(02:54):
As a community, we're here foryou.
Thanks for listening and takecare of each other out there.
Be sure to share this programwith anyone you know that needs
help.
Repost this on your social mediato ensure the word gets out
about the November eighth fooddrive.
Stay amazing.
Hey everyone, welcome back toGreat Day Colorado Segment 2 to
discuss Denver Food ResourcesGuide.
I'm DJ Mikey D, your host forthis important conversation.

(03:18):
If you're listening to this, youmight be facing some tough times
when it comes to putting food onthe 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 Denvermetro area designed specifically
to help.
Today, we're going to walkthrough exactly where you can
find help, what to expect, andhow to access these services.

(03:39):
This is a solo episode, so it'sjust you and me breaking down
the essentials.
Let's get right into it.
If you're dealing with foodinsecurity here in Colorado,
your absolute best first step isto call 211.
That's 211.
This is a free confidentialhelpline run by Mile High United
Way, and it's available 24hours, seven days per week.

(04:02):
They can connect you with foodpantries, emergency food
assistance, and a whole range ofother support services, and they
offer help in multiplelanguages.
When you call, a trainedcommunity navigator will ask you
a few questions about yoursituation and your location, and
then they'll give you referralsto resources near you.
It's a single, easy to remembernumber for a massive network of

(04:25):
help.
Now, let's talk about visiting afood pantry.
A lot of people feel nervous oruncertain before their first
visit, and that's completelynormal.
Here's what you should know.
It's helpful to bring some formof identification and proof of
address if you have it,something like a driver's
license or a utility bill.
But and this is important, manypantries have relaxed these

(04:48):
requirements.
Don't let not having ID stop youfrom seeking help.
The most important thing is tocall ahead.
Pantry hours can change, somerequire appointments, and many
now offer drive up options forconvenience and safety.
When you call or when you'rethere, don't be shy about asking
questions, seriously.
Ask if they have programs forseniors like commodity food

(05:10):
boxes.
Ask about baby food or formulaif you have little ones.
If you or someone in yourhousehold has dietary
restrictions like allergies orif you need halal or kosher
foods, speak up.
Many pantries can accommodatethese needs, but they need to
know what you're looking for.
Transportation can be a hugebarrier if you don't have a
reliable way to get to a pantry.

(05:30):
Ask them directly, do you offerdelivery services or what's the
closest bus stop?
They hear these questions allthe time and can often point you
to solutions.
Now, let's talk about the bigplayers.
Food Bank of the Rockies is amassive hub that supplies
hundreds of local pantries,shelters, and meal programs
across our region.
They also operate their ownmobile food markets that travel

(05:50):
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 adistribution site near you.
These mobile markets arefantastic because they often
provide free groceries with noID required.
For broader support, we'retalking help with housing,

(06:11):
utilities, employment, and foodall in one place.
The two one number is your go-toagain.
It's a comprehensive resourcedesigned to address multiple
needs at once.
City resources are also key.
Denver Human Services can helpyou apply for SNAP benefits.
That's the SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program,
formerly known as Food Stamps.
They can also provide emergencyfood referrals.

(06:32):
Another often overlookedresource, the Denver Public
Library's website.
They've curated information onlocal food distributions and
free meal programs.
It's a gem of a resource to gethelp.
Beyond pantries, there arecrucial nutritional support
programs.
Snap and WIC, the specialsupplemental nutrition program
for women, infants, andchildren, provide ongoing

(06:54):
benefits.
Despite the delay in funding theprogram, you can apply online or
get help from local agencies.
Seniors look into meals onwheels.
Families with school aged kids,your local school district
provides meals during the schoolyear and often through summer
programs.
And here's a pro tip to stretchyour food budget, double up food
bucks if you get SNAP benefits.
This program matches yourspending at farmers markets, so

(07:16):
you get twice the fresh fruitsand vegetables.
It's a game changer for eatinghealthy on a tight budget.
Many faith based organizationsare also deeply involved in this
work.
Catholic charities, JewishFamily Service, and the
Salvation Army all run foodpantries and offer various forms
of emergency assistanceregardless of your religious
background.
So, how do you find the closesthelp right now?

(07:39):
You've got options.
Use the Find Food tool on theFood Bank of the Rockies
website.
Do a quick search on Google Mapsfor 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 youprovide?
Do you offer delivery or helpwith applications?

(08:00):
Finally, if you are inimmediate, urgent need of food
or facing a life-threateningsituation, call two one.
In a true emergency, call nineone.
Remember, asking for help is asign of strength.
There is a community of supporthere in the Denver Metro ready
to stand with you.
Thanks for listening to GreatDay Colorado.

(08:20):
Take care of yourselves outthere.
Please share the love.

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