By Brandon McKinley

As over 600,000 Coloradans waited weeks to receive their monthly grocery budgets in November, Metro Caring increased food distribution to meet people’s emergency needs thanks to the outpouring of support from our community.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, offers people monthly allowances to buy food at grocery stores and farmer’s markets, if their income is low. In November, the United States Department of Agriculture refused to distribute SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, despite having contingency funding intended for emergency situations like this to cover at least partial benefits.

Community members like Laurie-Ann worried about losing access to nutritious groceries.

“I earmark my SNAP benefits for protein, milk, eggs, and some fresh veggies,” she said. “If they don’t process benefits, that’s all going to be exempt from my diet.”

Metro Caring quickly launched an emergency fundraising campaign to purchase additional food for our Fresh Foods Market shelves and welcome more community members. Within four weeks, our community raised nearly $230,000 and hosted over 30 food drives. This support allowed us to increase appointments to our Fresh Foods Market and begin distribution of pre-packaged boxes on Mondays to serve more people.

“Places like Metro Caring become even more important in times like this,” Laurie-Ann said. “This is where you can get some fresh produce, the place where we can get nutritionally sound food.”

Shifting operations to welcome more people

Monday mornings in Metro Caring’s parking lot look even busier than normal. Multiple white tents and tables are stationed along the backside of the building. As some volunteers roll out the shopping carts, others in bright green safety vests began to direct traffic.

Meanwhile, in the warehouse, 500 boxes full of dry goods—thanks to Sunday afternoon volunteers putting in extra hours—await final packaging of fresh produce before being rushed outside.

On Mondays throughout the rest of 2025, the Fresh Foods Market will be closed to accommodate the boxed food distribution, which is open for six hours during the day. The change allows us to invite more people to access food than on a typical Monday.

Emily Settlecowski, Metro Caring’s food access manager, said a key ingredient to making this shift was simply having enough food to share. All the items in the boxes are purchased, which is only possible thanks to our community’s donations and the credits Metro Caring received to buy food from Food Bank of the Rockies as part of the $10 million in emergency funding released by the state of Colorado.

Community choice remains part of the package

Community members repeatedly tell us that being able to choose items from the shelves of the Fresh Foods Market is far more useful and dignified than receiving a prepackaged box of random groceries.

However, the Food Access team has been able to leverage data gathered over the past two years to better inform what the Monday boxes contain. The team conducted research with Fresh Foods Market visitors to understand what foods people consider essential items, across cultures and diets. After surveys and interviews with hundreds of community members, the team identified a list of market staple items, which include rice, dried beans, canned tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. These are the items we packaged into the boxes, making them far more community-informed than random leftover items.

Community members can also still choose their meat items and if they’d like eggs, just as in the market, and at the final tent, people are invited to pick up bread, dairy, and refrigerated items.  

“Packaging the boxes with our market staple items is only possible when you have guaranteed inventory,” Emily said, “and the only reason we have guaranteed inventory is because of our community’s generous financial support and the state’s emergency funding.”

SNAP remains essential for preventing hunger

Blanca is a mom of two teenage boys. Her oldest son has Type 2 diabetes and Down syndrome, and she plays a major part in helping him manage his health. Over the past year, focusing on a protein-rich diet has helped him achieve a healthier weight.

“I spend all of my SNAP benefits on proteins for him,” Blanca said, “like red meat, pork, chicken, fish, eggs.”

SNAP remains one of the most effective programs in reducing hunger in the United States because it allows community members like Blanca to maintain their agency and dignity to make the choices their families need.

Emily said that SNAP also helps seniors use grocery delivery services and allows people to double their benefits when purchasing produce, including at farmers’ markets during the season.

Future SNAP reductions threaten to increase hunger

After nearly three weeks of delay, the state of Colorado was finally able to release November SNAP benefits. However, new restrictions and longer-term cuts to the program are planned as part of the House Resolution 1 budget bill that passed Congress this summer.

“I’m concerned because, despite the incredible response from our community to meet this moment, it’s ultimately the government’s responsibility to ensure that folks have access to food,” Emily said. “Food is a human right, and under several international human rights treaties, the U.S. government is obligated to uphold its commitments to our rights, not undo the progress and impact of programs like SNAP.”

The last time SNAP was reduced, in 2023, we saw double the number of households visiting Metro Caring, far beyond the number of people visiting us at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will always try our best to meet our community’s emergency needs, but I’m worried because these emergency moments are becoming longer and part of the status quo,” Emily said. “Food pantries were created 60 years ago to be a short-term solution to people experiencing hunger, but they were never meant to exist as somebody’s only food resource. Over time, we’ve normalized how much of our population is going hungry.”

Local efforts offer hope of new, stronger solutions

Despite federal chaos during the most recent government shutdown, we did see city and state governments in Colorado step up. In addition to the state’s $10 million in emergency funds, the City of Denver launched a task force and food drives at recreation centers.

While the federal administration continues to use SNAP as a political tool, we can look at strengthening our local food system and addressing the other root causes that force people to choose between keeping a roof over their head, seeking the medical care they need, and putting dinner on the table.

“Coloradans have shown that we care deeply about our food system, the people who grow our food, and all of us who eat it,” Emily said. “Coloradans vote repeatedly to fund free school meals, run citywide food drives, and donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to local food organizations. That gives me hope that we can be creative with new ideas and programs for our city and state that ensure everyone’s right to nutritious food is protected, respected, and fulfilled.”

To all our volunteers who have helped us make the Monday distribution change possible, Emily shared deep gratitude for all the extra hours, the flexibility to learn new roles, and the physical labor of lifting many more pounds of food.

By Ace Alcantara

As the summer heat bakes the Mile High City, it’s the perfect time to discover where to find Metro Caring partners and entrepreneurs at farmers markets this year. 

Supporting local businesses and farmers is more than just a feel-good activity; it’s an investment in our community’s future. At Metro Caring, we’re dedicated to addressing the root causes of hunger in our community. One way we can do this is by supporting local businesses that share our values and vision for a future without hunger. 

These partners are vital to our community and environment, contributing to the local economy and promoting sustainable practices. They also bring unique products, captivating stories, and diverse flavors to our markets. By purchasing from them, you’re supporting a rich Colorado food system and Denver economy.

City Park Farmers Market

Saturdays through October 26 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
2551 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
SNAP, WIC, and Double Up Food Bucks are welcome at City Park Farmers Market. 

The Tortilla Project
Eva is the founder and owner of The Tortilla Project, which makes its debut appearance at the City Park Farmers Market this year. At Eva’s stand, you’ll find fresh salsas and handmade corn tortillas in a variety of flavors, like guajillo and cilantro jalapeño. When Eva first moved to Denver in 1996 with her husband and baby, she quickly demonstrated an instinct for community service, often found serving food to people who were unhoused. She first got involved with Metro Caring as a volunteer and soon identified a need for Spanish-language cooking classes. She found—and still helps lead—our Cocina y nutrición class. Metro Caring and the Rocky Mountain Micro Financing Institute helped The Tortilla Project through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic that threatened many local businesses. Through the Tortilla Project, Eva’s goal is to preserve cultural traditions and create jobs that support other women in her community. You’ll have to get to City Park early—the tortillas sell out quick! 

Common Name Farm
Noelle Trueheart discovered her passion for farming while working as an archaeologist. Four years ago, she joined forces with Phil Cordelli to start Common Name Farm. At their stand, you’ll find freshly harvested produce (and some cute swag!) that’s in season. Their mission is to provide top-market quality produce to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. They offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares on a sliding scale to make fresh, local food more accessible. One of their standout contributions to Metro Caring is growing culturally relevant crops like okra, which are highly desired by the community but hard to come by through grocery store donations. Metro Caring’s commitment to purchasing all the okra they can grow ensures that this important crop reaches those who need it. 

Gardening with Chuck
Chuck is one of Colorado’s sons. He grew up helping his grandmother every summer—all summer long—working in her yard and gardens, where she taught him everything he knows today. Gardening with Chuck is excited to team up with community to define and redefine what local means. Chuck says there are many issues and concerns with our current food production systems, and he is most excited to counter them in a way that has the most direct and instant impact on our local communities. Chuck is a zero-waste farmer, and everything he produces is local and organic. His business is dedicated, committed, and passionate about growing and producing food sustainably, responsibly, and ethically. He also partners with Metro Caring to host educational workshops on growing your own food. These free workshops are available to anyone to learn practical gardening skills. In addition to City Park, you can support Gardening with Chuck through CSA shares or find Chuck at Highlands Farmers Market on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. where he also accepts SNAP, WIC, and Double Up Food Bucks. 

Ditty Pop
If you’ve been to Cornucopia, our annual fall dinner and fundraiser, you may have savored Chef Panya Heard’s culinary expertise. Ditty Pop was one of our featured community caterers at Cornucopia in 2022 and 2023. At City Park, you’ll have a chance to try some healthy smoothies to get your day going. With a lifetime of experience cooking and caregiving for her children, Chef Panya Heard graduated culinary school in 2017 and let go of a 20-year corporate career in 2019 to pursue her culinary passions to better the world.

Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market

Wednesdays in June, July, and August from 5 – 8 p.m.
4890 Argonne Way, Denver, CO 80249

Alvarez Desserts
A chemist and biologist, Elizabeth’s dream to start her own business became a reality in Metro Caring’s Mastermind Circle, a program that brings together entrepreneurs to empower one another and build economic stability in our community. Elizabeth has become known in our community for her organic and naturally made soaps and cosmetic products, but she’s also an excellent baker. Visit her booth at Green Valley Ranch for vegan desserts—including gluten-free options—that are healthy, nutritious, and delicious. 

Healthy Farmers Markets in Adams County

Anythink Huron Street
Tuesdays, June 20 – Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
9417 Huron Street, Thornton, CO 80260 

Anythink Wright Farms
Thursdays, June 22 – September 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
5877 E. 120th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80602 

Produce vouchers are available here for residents enrolled in WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid and for residents aged 65 or older. 

East Denver Food Hub
The winner of Metro Caring’s 2023 Hungry for Change Award, East Denver Food Hub is partnering with Adams County at their Healthy Farmers Markets. These food access-focused markets provide local food for families in the region. They offer produce vouchers for anyone enrolled in SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid and for residents aged 65 or older. Roberto Meza, CEO at East Denver Food Hub, says that farmers markets can be an incredible space for food as medicine initiatives and for piloting public food utilities. East Denver Food Hub works with over 60 farms in Colorado, operating as a social enterprise to build a model for local food aggregation and distribution that supports local farmers and producers. In 2023, Metro Caring purchased 50,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown, nutritious food through East Denver Food Hub. This collaboration helped us dedicate 94% of our food purchasing budget to directly support local producers and producers from historically marginalized communities—such as producers who are women, LGBTQ+, first generation, Black, Indigenous, and from other communities of color.

Boulder Farmers Market

Saturdays through November 23
13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
With Double Up Food Bucks, customers shopping with SNAP can receive up to $20 dollar-for-dollar to purchase Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables at Boulder Farmers Market. 

Grama Grass & Livestock
Andy Breiter’s team at Grama Grass & Livestock practices regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health and reversing climate change. His partnership with Metro Caring ensures that fresh, locally-raised meat is available to the community. Meat is one of the most desired food groups among Fresh Foods Market shoppers because of its high price point. Most of Metro Caring’s meat comes frozen from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) run by the USDA. However, through purchasing agreements with Grama Grass, Metro Caring’s Food Access Manager Cory Scrivner ensures that fresh, locally sourced meat reaches the community. You can purchase cuts from the Grama Grass stand at the Boulder market.

Can’t make it to Boulder but still want to support Grama Grass and Metro Caring? We’re close to reaching the goal of our Beef Up the Fresh Foods Market fundraiser, which will help us purchase an additional 500 pounds of beef from Andy’s team for our shoppers. 

We invite you to explore the vibrant farmers markets of the Front Range this summer and support our incredible partners. We would love to see your market visits and the wonderful products you find. Tag us @MetroCaring and our partners on social media with your photos and experiences to help spread the word about these amazing businesses.

New research strengthens our understanding of the local food system and supports Metro Caring’s vision for a Universal Basic Food program

Graduate students at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of the Environment program partnered with Metro Caring in 2023 to develop resources that lay the groundwork for a Universal Basic Food program.

The students, Alyssa Angel, Lily Lake, Mak Parker, and Shan Klema collaborated with Metro Caring staff and their advisor, Damien Thompson of Frontline Farming, to produce three key resources:

• Local Food Procurement Catalog: This guide compiles information gathered from conversations with Colorado producers who share Metro Caring’s commitment to ending hunger. It will serve as a roadmap for connecting with these producers and purchasing the food our community wants and needs.
• Producer Map: This interactive map allows for easy visualization of our partner producers, providing a snapshot of Metro Caring’s growing local food network.
• ArcGIS StoryMap: This online resource combines the project’s findings with an overview of the Universal Basic Food program, making the information more accessible to the public.

Cataloging our local food system

The Local Food Procurement Catalog is like one you might get in the mail from a clothing brand or department store. It includes 9 producers, what they grow and raise, and what their values and identities are.

Metro Caring’s Food Access team began using the catalog to purchase food for our Fresh Foods Market from local farmers. It helps us more clearly support farmers and ranchers who are Black, Indigenous, LGTBQ+, Latine, women, and others who historically had unfair access to succeed in farming or whose farming labor was exploited.

“The Local Food Procurement Catalog provides an excellent and informative review of our approach and commitment to values-aligned procurement as a means to realize economic security, environmental health, and democratic participation in the local food system for true access to good food,” Metro Caring’s Manager of Strategic Initiatives Emily Settlecowski said.

The catalog will also help community members make decisions about what foods could be included as part of a “universal diet” and where that food could come from.

Mapping the future of food

Metro Caring is working towards piloting Universal Basic Food, an innovative program where a guaranteed set of food items—that are decided by the community and its values—would be available for free.

For community members to decide what foods belong as part of a universal diet in line with their values, we first need to know what food is available locally. This can help us determine the feasibility of guaranteeing a set of universal food items.

The producer map helps us visualize and track the connections with the local food system that Metro Caring is making. Staff, community, and others interested in Colorado farming can see Metro Caring’s procurement relationships. The map streamlines the process of finding reliable local producers who share our values and can grow healthy food for our community.

A community-based research approach

The four CU students used various methods to gather data for the project, including direct conversations with farmers, ranchers, and community members. The students participated in events like Denver’s HarvestSHARE festival to build relationships with the community and gain a deeper understanding of local needs.

Their interviews with producers provided insights into the practices, values, and the challenges farmers face in growing food. The consumer surveys with our community sought to understand people’s food preferences and buying habits.

“Prioritizing community involvement in the decision-making like this will help us transition to a food system that values equity, sustainability and health above corporate profits,” Emily said.

The students combined these community conversations with existing resources on Colorado food production to conduct a landscape analysis that informed the producer map.

The collaboration continues

We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with CU Boulder and welcoming a new group of students this year. The new project will delve into the feasibility of a Universal Basic Food pilot program at Metro Caring, exploring costs, logistics, and a policy pathway to support this initiative.

“I am honored to have worked with such a great team of individuals,” Emily said. “We learned a lot about ourselves as an organization, manager, and movement builder in this work towards a future without hunger.”

A special thank you to our farmers for participating in our research:

• Aspen Moon Farm LLC
• Belafonte Farm
• Caviness Farm LLC
• Common Name Farm
• Lost Greens Farm
• MASA Seed Foundation
• The Old Elm
• Sunnyside Farms
• Yellow Barn Farm