The current government shutdown and reduction of SNAP benefits has a big effect on the kids of Colorado. In Denver alone, 30,000 children rely on SNAP benefits to eat. This directly affects our patient population, and so CMC will be implementing a pop-up food bank in our lobby. Any of our patients and/or their families will be welcome to take food from the donation box when they are in the office. We humbly ask that you take only what you and your family need at any given time in order to let us help as many families as possible. For those who may want to donate, we welcome any contribution of shelf-stable food that you are able to provide. It can be dropped off at our office anytime during business hours. Once SNAP benefits are restored and the holiday season is over we will donate any remaining food to Denver Food Rescue.
We also wanted to share a list of other resources in the area working to provide food for families:
- City and County of Denver: Visit their website to find food assistance across the city
- Tasty Food Program: Afterschool meals for children will be offered at Denver recreation centers. Visit the Tasty Food website for locations and hours of operation.
- Food Bank of the Rockies: Find a food pantry near you using their Pantry Locator tool.
- 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. Note: The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, expect long wait times. To avoid waiting, use the call-back feature.
- 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 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- If you or someone you know wants to access free food without having to show ID or proof of income, you can check out Denver Food Rescue’s locations here.
Drs. Spero, Erin, Debbie, Liz, Katie, Lauren, Lisa, and Abby
