Watch out for EBT scams! Visit these Colorado Department of Human Services webpages for information and videos on protecting against EBT fraud, how to report fraud on EBT cards, and what to do if your benefits are stolen:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) interview waivers are ending October 31, 2024 for renewals, and interviews will resume November 1, 2024. SNAP recipients will be contacted for renewals and to set up interviews from the number 720-944-4347 (DNVR Human SVC may appear on the caller ID).
We're here to support you.
This page has ways to get free, healthy food in the City and County of Denver. You can:
- Find out about the new Summer EBT Program
- Learn how to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Get free food, hot meals and groceries from other programs in Denver
EBT Card E-Lockers
The next time you need to pick up a new or replacement EBT card, use our EBT Card E-Lockers at the DHS Welcome Center!
You can use these safe lockers all hours of the day, even before or after normal operating hours. By using the e-lockers, you can receive your EBT card more quickly than you would by mail. The EBT card will be loaded into these locker the day after a request is made, while mailing can take anywhere from three to five days.
With the new e-lockers, there is no need to engage with DHS staff. If any problems should arise, DHS staff are eager to help users learn how to use the e-lockers and resolve any issues.
For additional questions or to get started using the e-lockers, call 720-944-4DHS (4347).
What is SNAP?
SNAP, short for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is cash assistance to help low-income families buy or grow food. It gives a monthly amount to buy food with an Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) card. The benefit is provided based on income, resources and the number of individuals in the household.
Apply for SNAP
Summer EBT Benefits
Check the mail for your Summer EBT cards! Eligible families will receive cards pre-loaded with a one-time lump sum payment of $120 each. Need help? Call the Summer EBT support center at 800-536-5298.
Summer EBT is a new program in 2024 that provides nutritious food to eligible students. Cards were mailed in late July 2024.
Summer EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Summer EBT?
You are eligible for Summer EBT if:
- You qualify for free or reduced-price meals while attending a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
- You are receiving other assistance benefits, including SNAP and Colorado Works. You may qualify through Medicaid if your income is within the National School Lunch guidelines.
How do I get Summer EBT?
Many families will automatically receive Summer EBT if their student qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid or Colorado Works. An EBT card will be mailed to each eligible student.
When will I get a Summer EBT Benefit Card?
Summer EBT ent benefit cards, pre-loaded with a one-time lump sum payment of $120, to eligible families in late July 2024.
What if I didn't get a Summer EBT Card?
The benefit cards were sent out in late July 2024 via the U.S. Postal Service. If you did not receive an eligibility notice and/or a benefit card and think your students are eligible for 2024 Summer EBT benefits, connect with the Summer EBT support center:
Learn more about Summer EBT
New: Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus
If you get SNAP benefits and live in Colorado, you are already eligible to receive the Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations. No sign-up required! Colorado SNAP Produce Bonus makes it easy to eat healthier and save!
How to get the bonus
- Spend up to $20 on eligible fruit and vegetables at a participating market.
- Get a dollar-for-dollar match automatically added onto your EBT card to use at any SNAP location.
- Get up to $60 reimbursed per month.
- Spend your bonus on any SNAP eligible items at any SNAP authorized retailer.
Participating Denver Markets
This is a new program, and there is just one participating Denver market at this time.
| Name |
City |
Address |
Hours |
| Ela Family Farms (at) South Pearl Street Farmers Market |
Denver |
1527 S. Pearl Street |
Sundays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (through Nov. 10) |
Find a complete list of participating markets (with dozens around the state) on the Colorado Department of Human Services website.
Learn More
Free Food in Denver
Free Mobile Food Pantry Events
Food Bank of the Rockies offers free, monthly Mobile Food Pantry events at locations across the city. To find a mobile food pantry event near you, visit the Food Bank of the Rockies "Free Food" page! All you have to do is put in your zip code.
Search for Free Food Near You
Other Free Food Programs in Denver
Free Meals in Denver Public Schools (DPS)
All DPS students have access to free, healthy, nutritious school meals at breakfast and lunch, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters.
It is important for families to complete the You Benefit! form on MySchoolApps. This will help make sure DPS gets full access to available federal funding. You may qualify for discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more! All household income information provided through this form is strictly confidential, and protected by law. Only one form is required for all children in the household.
Learn More from Denver Public Schools
Tasty Food Program: Free meals at Denver Rec Centers
Denver youth ages 5-18 can get FREE after-school meals at several Denver Parks and Recreation locations. No ID or registration required, just show up and eat. And yes, you can bring a friend, or two, or three, or more!
For hours and locations, visit the Tasty Food program page.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need healthy meals for my kids. Where can I get help?
The first step in ensuring your children have enough healthy food to eat is to apply for food assistance (SNAP).
After enrolling, we can introduce you to community partners and resources to show you how to stretch your food dollars. They can also help you discover how to prepare quick and healthy meals and snacks for the family.
Community partner Cooking Matters helps people shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices, and cook delicious and affordable kid-approved meals.
The Tasty Food for Denver's Kids program hosted by the Office of Children's Affairs provides free meals to Denver youths.
Where can I find free or reduced-cost food?
Hunger Free Colorado serves the City and County of Denver and the entire state of Colorado. You can apply for food assistance through its services and connect with food pantries and free meal sites in your area. HFC's operators can also give you directions, share food availability, help you find holiday mealtimes, and other beneficial information about those pantries and sites. Contact the food resource hotline at (720) 382-2920 for Denver and (855) 855-4626 statewide for more information.
Nourish Colorado's Double Up Food Bucks Colorado helps SNAP recipients save money at community grocery stores, farmer's markets, and farm stands. The program also posts easy, step-by-step, family-friendly cooking videos on their YouTube channel.
All Denver Public Schools (DPS) students have access to free, healthy, nutritious school meals at breakfast and lunch, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All program approved by Colorado voters. It is important for families to complete the You Benefit! form on MySchoolApps. This will help make sure DPS gets full access to available federal funding. Families may qualify for discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more! All household income information provided through this form is strictly confidential, and protected by law. Only one form is required for all children in the household.
What discounts are available to me if I receive food assistance?
In addition to food funds, SNAP recipients may also access a number of Denver’s premiere museums and cultural centers through the Explorer Pass program, which provides discount general admission to select venues for as low as $1 per person, up to 10 people.
With the Double Up Food Bucks Colorado program, SNAP users also receive a discount on the food they buy at participating locations using their SNAP EBT (electronic benefit transfer – the card that manages food assistance dollars) cards.
Children 18 and younger can access free meals during summer months thanks to the Free Summer Meals program.
Food resources for older adults
The Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado Office is a trusted source for information on long-term services and support options available to older adults. Older Coloradans who need help getting access to nutritious food can call 1-844-COL-ADRC (+1 844 265-2372) for more information.
Another helpful resource is, Meals On Wheels. This well-known program delivers daily meals and provides in-home visits to home-bound seniors. For more information, call (303) 297-0408.
Resources for people with disabilities
Access-a-Ride Grocery Delivery Services:
Access-a-Ride is RTD's ADA complementary paratransit service. The service provides a food bank and grocery delivery service from participating food bank and grocery store locations. Customers interested in having food delivered to them by Access-a-Ride must either call the food bank directly or visit the grocery store’s website in order to set up an account and place an order.
Learn more about how to make a grocery delivery using Access-a-Ride on the RTD website:
Access-a-Ride Grocery Delivery Services