Important notice: SNAP emergency allotments have ended | Due to recent congressional action, the temporary increase to SNAP benefits, also known as emergency allotments, have ended. Most SNAP households will receive lower monthly benefit amounts; this is not due to a change in your household. To learn more about what this means for you and find useful tips and resources, visit the State of Colorado's SNAP emergency allotments page.
Have questions about your SNAP benefits or case status? There’s a new statewide hotline! Call (800)-816-4451.
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 how to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Learn about our free, monthly mobile food pantry events
- Get free food, hot meals and groceries from other programs in Denver
How to Apply for SNAP
Free Food in Denver
Free Mobile Food Pantry Events
Denver Human Services (DHS) and Food Bank of the Rockies offer free Mobile Food Pantry events. All are welcome.
Events are held every month. Add these events to your calendar by visiting our event pages: DHS East Office and Raices Brewing Company.
April 2023 Events
For a complete list of 2023 mobile food pantry dates and times in English and Spanish:
Download the 2023 DHS Mobile Food Pantry Flyer(PDF, 137KB)
Tasty Food Program: Free meals at several Denver Rec Centers
Get free meals for children ages 5-18 on most weekdays at several Denver Parks and Recreation locations. For hours and locations where these free meals are available:
Visit the Tasty Food program page
Public No Cost Grocery Programs
The Denver Food Rescue has a list of free / no cost grocery programs. These are places where you can get fresh groceries for free. You don't need to bring ID or share personal information, either. All are welcome:
Public No Cost Grocery Programs in Denver (link opens in new window)
Food Pantries and Hot Meals in Denver
Looking for a map to free meals and food pantries in your neighborhood? We suggest visiting 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 (link opens in new window)
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.
For the 2022-23 school year, most Denver Public Schools offer free breakfast to all students.
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:
Home grocery delivery service is available to all Access-a-Ride (AaR) customers. RTD is offering this service during the COVID-19 state of emergency to provide current Access-a-Ride customers with a food delivery option that does not require leaving home. No fare is required for customers to use this service. Grocery pickup is now available from King Soopers, Safeway, Community Ministry Southwest Food Bank, Senior Hub Senior Solutions, and Adams County Food Bank. Access-a-Ride customers can continue to book trips for essential purposes, including to purchase groceries. Customers must place their grocery order themselves and schedule a pick-up with Access-a-Ride one day in advance.
https://www.rtd-denver.com/services/access-a-ride