As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, the need for food assistance in our region is at its highest in 12 years. 1 in 8 individuals, including 1 in 5 kids, is experiencing hunger within Food Bank of the Rockies’ service area. That includes more than 538,000 neighbors, an increase of 38,000 in just one year. Last fiscal year, we distributed enough food for nearly 73 million meals.
Through our network of 700+ Hunger Relief Partners, plus our Mobile Pantry Program, Food Bank of the Rockies is providing food assistance during the Thanksgiving and holiday season to individuals and families across Colorado and Wyoming. Community members can donate, volunteer, or host a virtual Thanksgiving food drive to help neighbors facing hunger.
Want to learn more about how to get involved? We assembled a list of commonly asked questions below!
If you are in need of food support, please use our Food Finder tool to find the distribution nearest you.
Key Takeaways
- Every $1 donated helps provide enough food for 3 meals.
- Ninety-four cents of every dollar donated goes directly to local food distribution.
- You can donate, host a virtual or physical Thanksgiving food drive, or volunteer at one of our distribution centers or a mobile pantry.
- Food Bank of the Rockies is distributing enough food for nearly 200,000 meals per day across Colorado and Wyoming.
- The need for food assistance in our region is at its highest in 12 years: 1 in 8 people, including 1 in 5 kids, is experiencing hunger in our service area.
- If you need food this Thanksgiving, use the Food Finder tool to find a distribution near you.
Where can I donate to help provide Thanksgiving meals in Denver and the surrounding region?
Thanksgiving donations help Food Bank of the Rockies provide turkey, stuffing, fresh produce, and other food assistance to neighbors facing hunger across Denver, the surrounding metro region, the eastern plains, and the Western Slope. Every $1 you give helps provide enough food for 3 meals. Make a Thanksgiving donation.
How does Food Bank of the Rockies help families during Thanksgiving and the holidays?
We tend to see even more individuals and families needing food assistance during the Thanksgiving and holiday season. For this reason, we start planning months in advance to purchase food in bulk at the best possible prices and supply our network of 700+ Hunger Relief Partners with fresh produce, turkey, stuffing, and other holiday staples. We also increase the volume of food at our mobile pantry distributions.
Should I donate food or money to the Food Bank for Thanksgiving?
Financial Thanksgiving donations allow Food Bank of the Rockies to purchase food in bulk and provide the greatest impact for families experiencing hunger. Thanks to our bulk purchasing power, every $1 donated helps provide enough food for 3 meals.
Where does my donation to the Food Bank go?
Ninety-four cents of every dollar donated goes directly to local food distribution. Donations enable Food Bank of the Rockies to purchase nutritious food that our neighbors want, like proteins and fresh produce. Donations also enable us to transport and distribute food.
Can I volunteer to help provide Thanksgiving meals?
Yes! Volunteers support food sorting, packing, and meal distribution efforts throughout Thanksgiving and the holiday season. You can volunteer in our Aurora Distribution Center or at any of our mobile pantries. Visit our volunteer page to learn more and sign up for a volunteer shift. For more ways to give back, read our guide to holiday volunteering.
Can I host a Thanksgiving food drive?
Yes! If you would like to host a physical food drive and are able to bring your donated food to our Aurora Distribution Center, please visit this page to request a cardboard receptacle and learn what kinds of foods are accepted.
While we always appreciate food donations, virtual food drives provide far more food for our neighbors experiencing hunger than physical food drives. That’s because of our bulk purchasing power. For example, a $5 purchase at a local grocery store might provide a few canned goods, but a $5 gift to Food Bank of the Rockies can help purchase enough food for 15 meals. Start your virtual Thanksgiving food drive!
How many meals are needed?
Right now, on average, Food Bank of the Rockies is distributing enough food for nearly 200,000 meals per day.
Why are so many people facing hunger?
Hunger exists in every county of the United States, and it affects people from all walks of life. Unexpected emergencies, job loss, healthcare costs, the rising cost of living, and cuts to federal support programs are among the top reasons individuals and families struggle to afford everyday essentials like food.
Where can I get Thanksgiving food assistance?
If you or your family need food this Thanksgiving, use our Food Finder tool to find a distribution near you. The Food Finder lists regular distributions as well as special holiday distributions.
Looking for more ways to make the holidays easier? Read our tips on holiday meal planning on a budget.