In a shocking turn of events, Congress has decided to hold back SNAP benefits in the midst of a government shutdown. That means millions of Americans will go without the monthly help they need in order to feed their families.
While we can’t do anything to immediately change what’s happening, plenty of restaurants and independent markets have rallied to help support customers, food banks, and anyone who needs a meal. Once again we see an industry that has some of the lowest profit margins of all, yet selflessly reaches out to help those who need it. We so proud to know them.
We will continue to update the list as more information comes in.
Pony Up Food Drive For Restaurant Workers
Stop by the downtown bar and French dip restaurant to donate canned goods and toiletries to restaurant workers who are affected by SNAP delays and pauses. The crew, in partnership with CHOW, is putting together care packages to give out at the end of the month. If you need it, simply sign up on November 27, the supplies will be distributed on December 1.
Currently Pony Up is looking for: Canned soup, veggies, and fruit, grains, legumes, pasta, pasta sauce, boxed meals, ramen, nut butter, flour, oil, sugar, tuna, shelf-stable meat, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more. Drop off at the bar and get a free glass of wine, beer, or shot when you donate. 1808 Blake St., Denver, ponyupdenver.com
Next Level Veggie Grill
Head to this vegan spot for The Gobbler, a sandwich featuring a crispy turkey-less cutlet topped with herbed stuffing, organic cranberry sauce, and savory gravy on an organic white bun. To top it all off, Next Level will donate 10% of all Gobbler sales between now and November 26 (or until SNAP benefits are reinstated) to food banks in local communities, including Food Bank of the Rockies. 1605 E. Evans Ave., Denver, nextlevelvg.com
SAME Cafe
The model of SAME Cafe has always been to serve quality meals to anyone, regardless if they can pay or not. Anyone can come to the City Park restaurant and either work for their food, donate goods, or offer money. Currently the nonprofit has struggled with the Colfax construction, but it’s still offering the same service. 2023 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, soallmayeat.org
Restaurant Olivia Donates Proceeds
Throughout November, Restaurant Olivia will donate a portion of proceeds from the take-and-bake cookies to The Food Bank of the Rockies. During Thanksgiving week (November 23 through 29), the restaurant will extend its giving, donating a portion of proceeds from both the cookies and take-and-bake lasagnas to help support local families in need. Readers can place orders for take-and-bake items here. 290 S. Downing St., Denver, oliviadenver.com
The GrowHaus Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program
In order to help support federal workers on furlough, people who have lost income or SNAP benefits, and others without reliable food access, the GrowHaus has dedicated resources to help. You must apply online to be considered as it’s a small operation. Register here.
Dairy Block Donations
Sip an Espresso Martini at Poka Lola Social Club and the bar will donate $1 from each one sold throughout November. The money will go to support the Food Bank of the Rockies. In the same area, Kachina Cantina is also stepping up and donating $1 from every taco plate sold in November to the same organization. 1850 Wazee St., Denver
November 2: Cook Out For Those In Need
If you’re in need of a meal, head to Hogshead Brewery on Sunday, November 2 from 12 to 6 p.m. for free food. Choose from a hot dog or salad, and also receive chips and a drink. The brewery is working on this event in tandem with Eat Here, more on that restaurant below. 4460 W. 29th St., Denver, hogshead54.com
Eat Here Provides Kids With Free Food
In a social post, Eat Here chef and owner Nico Garza said: “We are all one. I don’t give a fuck what you look like, color you are or what you do in your private life’s [sik]. I just want all of you to eat. And the kids should not have to suffer because of our stupidity. Show up with your SNAP card, your kid (17 & under) and they can have a hot dog or salad, chips and Capri Sun. On us. Adults can have a discount of 25% on a meal of their choice once a day. Do not take advantage of this. This is for kids in need. Not want.” 4004 W. 38th Ave., Denver, no website
MAKfam Gives Back
During its anniversary week, MAKfam will donate 10% of its lunch service proceeds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 3, 5, 6, and 7 to Kaizen Food Rescue, a Denver-based nonprofit founded on the principle that food is a human right. Additionally, MAKfam plans to hold a food drive (shelf stable foods and canned goods) for the nonprofit starting on November 10 through the end of the year. 39 W. 1st Ave., Denver, makfam.co
Niwot Tavern
Drop off food donations or pick up what you need to eat at this Niwot pub. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7960 Niwot Rd., Niwot, niwottavern.com
Glo Noodle House
Due to the ongoing shutdown and delay in SNAP benefits, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Glo Noodle House in Berkeley is donating five-percent of all happy hour sales to Food Bank of the Rockies. Join the fun and help feed the community from 4 to 6 p.m. 4450 W. 38th Ave. Suite #130, Denver, glonoodlehouse.com
Food Hall Food Drive Across the City
Add your bit to the city-wide food drive for food banks, which will run this November at venues including Edgewater Public Market in Edgewater, The Golden Mill in Golden, Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, Freedom Street Social in Arvada, Denver Central Market, and Avanti Food & Beverage in Denver.
Each spot will collect items for a specific Colorado nonprofit that supports people in need. Edgewater Public Market collects for JeffCo Eats. The Golden Mill collects for BGOLDN. Stanley Marketplace donations benefit Village Exchange Center. Freedom Street Social will donate to Community Table. Denver Central Market collects for the Food Bank of the Rockies, and we will update you when Avanti Food & Beverage announces the charity.
Ramen For a Cause at Mecha Noodle Bar
In RiNo, Mecha Noodle Bar donates 50-cents off every bowl of ramen. The movement comes thanks to the restaurant group’s Eat Justice initiative, which has collected $1,048,916 to date. All of the funds are donated to a local organization, and currently it’s going to We Don’t Waste, a nonprofit that, “works to reduce hunger and food waste in the Denver area by recovering quality, unused food from the food industry and delivering it to nonprofit partners, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools and daycare programs, and more.” 2801 Walnut St., Denver, mechanoodlebar.com
Friendly Nick’s Butcher in Fort Collins
Posting on social media, Friendly Nick’s Butcher owner Nick Chase wrote: “I don’t know how many people are facing food insecurity right now, but I know it’s going to get worse, and I know that while it’s in my power, I am going to try and help.”
Right now the butcher shop will give anyone who is losing their SNAP benefits one pound each of ground beef, pork shoulder, chicken breast, chicken drums or wings, and a half-dozen eggs. All you need is to show your EBT or Federal ID card. He also started a Go Fund Me page so people can donate to help him give out free meat longer. 2601 S. Lemay Ave. UNIT 4, Fort Collins, fnbutcher.com
Leven Deli Co. and Leven Supply
In order to support Food Bank of the Rockies, both Leven Deli Co. and Supply will be donating five-percent of total sales. The cafes also sent out a call for other ideas that could help the community, which you can send them directly through social media. Leven Deli Co., 123 W. 12th Ave., Denver; Leven Supply, 300 E. Alameda Ave. Unit D, Denver, eatleven.com
Local Food Banks
Food Bank of the Rockies, open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 10700 E. 45th Ave., Denver, foodbankrockies.org
Bienvenidos Food Bank, open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 3810 N. Pecos St., Denver, bienvenidosfoodbank.org
Adams County Food Bank, open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7111 E. 56th Ave., Commerce City, adamscountyfoodbank.org
Thornton Community Food Bank, open Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8990 York St., Denver, foodbankrockies.orgDenver Inner City Parish, open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1212 Mariposa St., Denver, dicp.org
Kingdom Church Church Food Bank, open Sundays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon; and Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. 8242 N. Pecos St., Denver, kingdomchurchdenver.org
Metro Caring Food Pantry, open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 1100 E. 18th Ave., Denver, metrocaring.org
