Food Charities Are a Vital Community Health Link
The charitable food pantries and banks in our mountain communities provide food access for vulnerable people. Unfortunately, most individuals and families accessing food pantries and other charitable food programs are food insecure, meaning that there is limited or uncertain availability of healthy foods.
According to a research study conducted by the Society for Community Research and Action, food insecurity is related to poor nutrition and many other adverse health issues. Some of these include poor physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development among children and chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, among adults.
Thus, our area food banks are essential in addressing community health disparities through the foods and related services they provide. Supporting food banks to assess and respond to food and health needs is also a great way to support area healthcare, educational, economic, and social sectors.
Below is a list of area food pantries with instructions on how to provide support through food and monetary donations and how to access food and other services.
Nederland Food Pantry, Clothing Closet https://nederlandfoodpantry.org/
The Nederland Food Pantry’s mission is to relieve hunger and provide basic needs and support to the Peak-to-Peak Community respectfully and compassionately.
They are open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Nederland Community Center located at 106 Hwy 72, Nederland, CO. While all items are free – they ask clothing closet clients to limit their shopping to one bag per visit.
To make an appointment, email Annette Franck NFPcloset@gmail.com or call 303-408-4596
Harvest of Hope Pantry – Boulder http://hopepantry.org/
Harvest of Hope Pantry opened its doors in 2012.
Their sole mission is food assistance. They offer a client choice shopping experience where individuals select preferred foods within our shopping allowances.
Harvest of Hope is located in Boulder, at 4830 Pearl St; they serve everyone who comes to the door.
They are open Monday-Friday and closed on the weekends.
The Pantry is open Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Thursday evening, except for major holidays, on a walk-in basis.
Want to donate?
Fresh Food
If you have an over-abundant garden, please send it our way.
Even the smallest amount is fantastic and brightens someone’s day and meal.
Shelf Stable and Non-Perishable Foods
Bring in your non-perishable canned, jarred, boxed, and bagged products.
*Donated food items must be labeled, unopened, and unused. In addition, canned food items need to be no more than one year past their best-by date.
Gilpin County Food Bank – http://www.gilpincounty.org/departments_offices/human_services
The Gilpin Country Food Pantry has a new location at 101 Norton Dr. in Black Hawk. They are open Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Every Thursday, they have pantry day from 1:30-3:45 at the former Public Health modular. They have implemented a shopping format that allows individuals to select those items they would like most.
If you want to contribute, they take donations 24/7 between the two front doors of the new pantry location. In addition, they take financial contributions. Donations may be left in a dropbox between the two front doors at the Justice Center or in the foyer at the new Human Services location at 15193 Hwy 119 (across from the transfer station)
You can mail checks made out to Gilpin Food Pantry to 15193 Highway 119, Black Hawk, CO 80422.
Pastor’s Pantry Whispering Pines Church
Pastor’s Pantry is part of Whispering Pines Church, located at 73 Gross Dam Rd., Golden, CO (On Hwy 72 across from the CCCIA Community Center)
The food pantry is open every Thursday from 3–5 p.m. for shopping and donations.
Action Center – https://theactioncenter.org/get-help/
The Action Center offers free food and helps those facing hardship with other community resources.
Each week households can receive a pre-packed box of groceries filled with healthy, high-quality food like fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and much more. (Selection varies daily).
You can just drive-thru or walk-up and receive your grocery box once a week with easy access!
Pick-up is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to Noon & 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No documentation or appointment is required!
They take food and other household donations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. In addition, you may make cash contributions via mail or online at https://theactioncenter.org/donate
The Action Center is located at 8745 W 14th Ave in Lakewood, CO.