Food Assistance & Emergency Resources in Denver & Metro Suburbs – What to Know Now

Helping families access food support with the federal SNAP pause & local pantry options

Why This Matters Now

The U.S. federal government shutdown has caused significant disruption to many low-income households’ food security. The USDA has informed states, including Colorado, that November 2025 benefits under SNAP will not be issued due to the government shutdown. Colorado’s governor requested that the state legislature use up to $10 million from the state’s general fund to support food banks and tide over food assistance.

For all SNAP beneficiaries in any state, EBT cards will still work in November. Any unused benefits from prior months will roll over, and the balance will still be accessible after November 1st.

In Colorado, about 600,000 residents receive SNAP, and the state is preparing for increased demand on food banks and pantries as families face this gap. Because of this, many local food resources are stepping up — and you may need them if you rely on SNAP, or know others who do.

What is TEFAP & How It Helps

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federally funded USDA program that provides food to low-income households via food banks and partner agencies. For more information about who qualifies based on income, visit www.cdhs.colorado.gov/TEFAP.

If you participate in any of the following programs, your household is automatically eligible for TEFAP:

• Everyday Eats (CSFP)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

• Old Age Pension (OAP)

• Aid to Needy Disabled (AND)

• Aid to the Blind (AB)

• Medicaid Eligible Foster Children

How to Sign Up for TEFAP

Go to your nearest food pantry and provide your name, phone number, address (in case of a food recall), the number of people in your household, and how you qualify.

There are no interviews and no income verification required — just bring an ID and any piece of mail (if you have one) to show which county you live in.

Some of the resources listed below work in partnership with TEFAP, and others work separately.

Local Food & Resource Providers — Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, & Surrounding Suburbs

Here are key food-distribution locations in and around Denver that you can go to now (and easily share with others). Many are aware of the SNAP disruption and ready to help.

Denver Metro & Surrounding Suburbs: Food Banks & Pantries

1. The Action Center

Address: 8745 W 14th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215
Contact: 720-237-7704
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays 9:00 - 11:30 AM & 1:00 - 3:30 PM
🌐 theactioncenter.org

Overview:
Provides food, clothing, and essential services to the Denver metro area. Additional programs include financial coaching, PEAK assistance, and utility help.

Qualifications:
No ID or paperwork needed for food and clothing. Everyday Eats (for 60+) and TEFAP is available for income-eligible households.

2. Bienvenidos Food Bank

Address: 3810 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211
Contact: 303-433-6328
Hours: The first, second, and third Thursdays of the month 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 3:30 - 5:30 PM (November-December hours; please note hours change January-October)
🌐 bienvenidosfoodbank.org

Overview:
Offers healthy, nutritious food to anyone in need — no restrictions.

Qualifications:
All are welcome. Name and phone number requested. No citizenship or immigration information collected.

3. Faith Bible Chapel South

Address: 4250 S Federal Blvd, Sheridan, CO 80110
Contact: 303-587-2867
Hours: Sundays 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM and every third Saturday of the month 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Overview:
Provides TEFAP food for eligible households.

Qualifications:
Photo ID required to sign up. Serving Denver, Englewood, & Sheridan.

4. Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Pantries

📍 Phillips United Methodist Church

1450 S Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80232
First Tuesday of the month, 3:00–5:00 PM

📍 Red Rocks Church

5800 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
Second Thursday of the month, 9:00–11:00 AM

📍 St. James Presbyterian Church

3601 W Belleview Ave, Littleton, CO 80123
Fourth Wednesday of the month, 9:00–11:00 AM

📍 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

9200 W 10th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215
First and third Wednesdays of the month, 9:00–11:00 AM

Contact: 303-371-9250
🌐 foodbankrockies.org/find-food

Overview:
Drive-through mobile pantry distributing both TEFAP and non-TEFAP food.

Qualifications:
None required. Register beforehand via link2feed.com.

5. Grace Covenant Church

Address: 10101 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
Contact: 303-988-7505
Hours: Third Thursday of the month, 6:00–7:30 PM
🌐 gcclakewood.org

Overview:
TEFAP is available to income-eligible households or those on select public assistance.

Qualifications:
Photo ID required. Must live in Lakewood.

6. Joy’s Kitchen (Westwoods Community Church)

Address: 7700 W Woodward Dr, Lakewood, CO 80227
Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays 12:00–12:30 PM
🌐 joyskitchen.org

Overview:
Drive-through model. TEFAP food is available. No proof of income required.

Qualifications:
No requirements.

7. Life Center Littleton

Address: 5804 S Datura St, Littleton, CO 80120
Contact: 303-953-7180
Hours: Tuesdays 12:00–6:00 PM
🌐 lifecenterlittleton.org/our-programs/food-bank

Overview:
Emergency food pantry serving families and individuals.

Qualifications:

• Photo ID for adults

• Proof of address

• Birth certificate or insurance card for minors

Tip: Online check-in opens at 8:30 AM on Tuesdays.

8. Metro Caring

Address: 1100 E 18th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Contact: 303-860-7200
Hours: Mon–Thu 9:15–11:30 AM, 12:45–3:00 PM; Tue evening 6:00–7:30 PM
🌐 metrocaring.org

Overview:
Grocery-store-style market offering fresh, culturally specific foods.

Qualifications:
Appointments are required, but no ID or proof of need is necessary. Click the link above to make an appointment.

9. Open Arms Food Bank

Address: 6500 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton, CO 80123
Contact: 720-667-3145
Hours: Tuesdays 12:00–3:00 PM
🌐 openarmsfoodbank.org

Overview:
Drive-through pantry. Remain in your vehicle while volunteers load your car.

Qualifications:
TEFAP food is available for income-eligible households and to households that participate in select public assistance programs.

10. Shepherd’s Pantry at River Church

Address: 220 S Yarrow St, Lakewood, CO 80226
Hours: Every third Saturday of the month 9:00 - 11:00 AM; breakfast served from 9:00 - 10:30 AM while guests wait
🌐 riverchurchmovement.org

Overview:
Food pantry in which guests are able to choose food for boxes. Breakfast served as well.

Qualifications:
No eligibility requirements. No ID or proof of address needed.

11. St. Mary Parish Pantry

Address: 6853 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120
Hours: Mondays 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (if Monday is a holiday, open Tuesday instead)
🌐 stmarylittleton.org

Overview:
Client-choice shopping model with curb service.

Qualifications:
Self-declared need honored.

12. YMCA of Metro Denver – Beyond Hunger Program

Address: 5181 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236
Contact: 720-524-2758
Hours: Thursdays 4:00 PM–6:00 PM

Overview:
Market-style distribution in which you pick which foods you take (and pre-packed boxes are available).

Qualifications:
No eligibility requirements.

Still Need Help?

• Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local food, housing, and utility resources.

• Call Hunger Free Colorado: 855-855-4626

• Visit: foodbankrockies.org/find-food for an interactive map.

How to Give Back

Let’s take care of one another. If you’re able, here are simple ways to help your neighbors:

1. Donate Food or Money

Food banks can stretch every dollar through bulk purchasing — monetary donations make a big impact. If you have food that will go uneaten, donate it, but if you’re debating between a food or monetary donation, choose the monetary donation.

2. Volunteer

Sign up for a shift sorting, packing, or distributing food.

3. Check In on Neighbors

Ask if anyone nearby needs groceries or help getting to a pantry. Share this list with community Facebook groups or local bulletin boards.

4. Host a Food Drive

Work with schools, offices, or faith groups to collect non-perishables. Ask local food banks what items they need most.

5. Spread Awareness

Post resource links on social media — someone may see it right when they need it.