JUNE 2017
 
Hit the Trail to End Hunger This July!
Get ready to Hike for Hunger! The statewide event and fundraiser, taking place July 1-31, is open to people of all ages, abilities and locations. All funds raised will benefit Hunger Free Colorado's mission.

Our kick-off hike and celebration is set for Saturday, July 8, from 8:30-11 a.m.  at South Valley Park in Littleton. It's free and all attendees will get hiking snacks and swag.

Registration for the month-long event is FREE for individuals and teams, but those participating could win awards for the best #HikeforHunger photo or story. Participants can set their own hiking or walking goal for the month of July, and then secure pledges and support as they hit the trail to help ensure no Coloradan goes hungry. ( Check out some tips for creative ways to fundraise.)
  
Register online (or by mail) and start fundraising today at HikeforHunger.org!
 
 Prevent Food Assistance Cuts in the House Budget
Calling all Robin Hoods!  Help stop  massive cuts of $400-$500 billion  to vital support programs, such as food stamps, that help Americans of all ages access the fuel they need to thrive!

The U.S. House Budget Committee is convening to draft its budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2018. Numerous sources substantiate that the House is seeking to make these cuts in order to offset the costs of tax breaks for the wealthy and for corporations. This would mean irreparable damage to programs like food stamps that support millions of Americans in building a strong foundation to weather life's storms.

Contact your Representative today and deliver this message: Coloradans do not want such important reinforcements taken from low-income families and given to the wealthy.

Read more about the budget proposal on our blog. 
 
 Launch of Your Neighborhood Food Connection
We are pleased to announce a  new partnership with Whole Foods Market® to fuel a new mobile food assistance van called  Your Neighborhood Food Connection.  The goal of the initiative is to ensure no Coloradan goes hungry and to ensure residents of Colorado receive easy, transparent access to resources near their homes and workplaces. 

The van, which was unveiled on June 12,  was made possible through a Whole Foods Market Community Giving Day grant that raised over $64,000 for the organization. It will travel across the state, sharing information about food access and providing food assistance program sign-up services on the spot.  View more photos of the van and launch event. 

Hunger Free Colorado food assistance navigators and other staff will also provide information about local food pantries and meals and provide healthy food options to support area residents until they have access to a food pantry whenever possible.  Find out where the van will be next!
 
Other News & Events
Save the Date!

Mark your calendar for the 2017 Hungry for Change Summit! This year, we'll be gathering on Wednesday, September 27, at The Cable Center in Denver. 

Our keynote speaker is Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, president and CEO of Global Policy Solutions, and an expert in the role of racial injustice and hunger. This year's Summit also will cover pressing topics, such as the link between health and hunger, strategies for helping immigrant communities, and a new State Plan to End Hunger.

It will be a great day of learning, exploring innovative approaches to overcome barriers, and fostering collaboration to ensure no Coloradan goes hungry. Registration will open in August, and we hope to see you there!
Colorado Food Pantry Network Annual Gathering


The Colorado Food Pantry Network held its second Annual Gathering on Monday, June 5. The event was a success, with 54 people in attendance representing 35 food pantries and 6 partnering organizations. 

One attendee mentioned, "The afternoon's nutrition panel by itself was worth the trip to Colorado Springs for me." Another said, "The relationships built with other food pantries as a result [of being a member] are invaluable!" 

   

Thank you to all food pantry leaders who presented or participated during the event. 

If you would like to learn more about the Colorado Food Pantry Network or become a member, please contact  Lindsay Koerner .
Raising Awareness and Action
  
FOX31 spotlighted a Hunger Through My Lens participant to discuss the impact of food stamp cuts proposed in the White House budget.

9NEWS  shared information about the new  Your Neighborhood Food Connection van launch  and partnership with Whole Foods Market.

7NEWS did a live interview to spread the word about our new mobile food assistance van and the statewide summer meal program.

Hunger Free Colorado  staff and board members helped with a live call center  on  9NEWS  in preparation for their annual 9Cares Colorado Shares summer food drive.

Summer Meals Kick-off

The summer meal program in Colorado kicked-off this month with more than 300 children and parents joining organizations around the state for a free BBQ lunch and activities at a Westminster public school. View more photos from the launch event. 

The statewide program, formally known as the Summer Food Service Program, offers free, nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and younger at community sites across Colorado. There are no registration or income requirements.

Families can find local summer meals sites and hours at KidsFoodFinder.org or (855) 855-4626.
 
How You Can Take Action




Join Our Action Network  

What's happening at the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill? Sign up for our legislative alerts!

We'll notify you when lawmakers are considering bills and other proposals that impact the nearly 1 in 8 Coloradans who struggle with hunger. With our easy-to-use online advocacy center, you can tell elected officials where you stand on those issues.
Connect More Coloradans
to Food Resources

 

Our statewide, bilingual hotline connects Coloradans to food resources in just one confidential call. Share the Hunger Free Hotline with others who may be in need of food assistance or groups that provide services to their community.   

 

Supporting a Hunger-free Colorado
 
Thanks to The Denver Foundation  for their generous contribution!  Their support helps us continue our innovative work to ensure no Coloradan goes hungry.
  
Hunger Free Colorado, a statewide nonprofit organization launched in 2009, connects
families and individuals to food resources and fuels change in systems,
policies and social views, so no Coloradan goes hungry.