Food Donation

Looking for food assistance? Find food near you.

Food insecurity impacts 1 in 6 Denver residents. SNAP benefit delays are expected to leave 100,000 Denverites without critical food support. Through collective action, we can get food to those who need it most. Find ways to help below. 

Donate Money

Funds go the furthest.  While food donations are always appreciated, monetary donations allow organizations to buy exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed, often at wholesale prices. This means your dollar can provide more meals, more efficiently, and reduce waste from unneeded or expired items.

Support trusted organizations like:

The Denver Foundation

When you donate to the Denver Foundation, your contribution supports local food access efforts right here in Denver. The Foundation redistributes funds directly to trusted community organizations that are already on the ground, helping families access healthy food.

Food Bank of the Rockies

Food Bank of the Rockies uses collective purchasing power to buy food at significantly lower costs than individuals or small pantries can. That means your donation helps pantries stretch their budgets and serve more people. Your contribution helps make food more affordable and accessible across the entire region.

Your local food pantry

You can also donate grocery store gift cards to small, local pantries. Find a pantry near you.

Donate Food

Every donation helps keep food accessible for Denver families. 

Donate pantry items at a Denver Recreation Center near you!

Priority Donation Items:

  • Snacks, ready to eat items (dried fruit, nuts, protein bars, instant ramen, popcorn etc.)
  • Canned items (beans, veggies, fruit, tuna, etc.)
  • Shelf-stable items like pasta, rice, flour or nut butter  
  • Infant food, formula, and diapers
  • Unopened hygiene products
  • Household items (i.e. cleaning supplies)
  • Reusable bags

The following items will not be accepted:

  •  Perishable items such as eggs, dairy products, fresh/frozen meat
  • Prepared meals
  • Opened packages of food
  • Clothing

Not sure if your food is still good?- “Past the date” doesn’t always mean unsafe. Labels like “best by” or “sell by” show peak quality, not safety. Use your senses, if it smells, looks, or tastes off, don’t use it.

Curious about culturally responsive foods?- Check out the Food Preference Suggestions by Culture list by Food Bank of the Rockies for guidance.

Download the Hungree App to share or find surplus edible food in real time. It’s free, safe, and helps neighbors support one another while reducing food waste.

Donate Your Time

Volunteer through the GIVE 5 platform to get matched with opportunities near you.

Sign up today at denvergov.org/Give5.

Donate Pet Food

When budgets are tight, families may struggle to feed their pets. To help, we encourage pet food donations. We accept donations at Denver Animal Shelter (1241 W. Bayaud Ave.) or through our Amazon Wishlist.

Where to Donate:

 Denver Animal Shelter – 1241 W. Bayaud Ave.

  • Use the bin to the right of the Lost & Found doors
  • Or the bin to the left of the Adoption doors
  • Look for signs labeled “Pet Food Drive”
What We Accept:
  • Pet food & treats for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Must be unopened, in original packaging, and within best-by date.
  • Pet supplies like toys, collars, leashes, harnesses, and pet beds
Colorado Pet Pantry:

Colorado Pet Pantry will temporarily feed Colorado pets, allowing families to increase their ability to care for pets with the goal of keeping them out of shelters and with their families. Learn more about how to donate to Colorado Pet Pantry. 

 

 

If you are an organization providing food to people being impacted by SNAP and need to get connected to support please reach out to: foodaccess@denvergov.org

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