Happy Ribbon Cutting Food Bank of the Rockies! Food for Hope was chosen among 700 Hunger Relief Partners to attend and be interviewed at the Food Bank of the Rockies Ribbon Cutting. Food for Hope has been a Hunger Relief Partner for 11 years and we purchase 85% of all of our food from Food Bank of the Rockies. We are excited for their new 270,000 sq ft facility which allows for even more food choices for partners. We are grateful for this special invite and event!
Thank You Butler Snow Foundation!
A heartfelt thank you to the Butler Snow Foundation for selecting Food for Hope as a 2025 grant recipient! We are honored to be recognized and supported by an organization that invests so deeply in the well-being of our communities.
This grant will help us continue expanding access to nutritious food for students and families who need it most. Thank you, Butler Snow Foundation, for believing in our mission and standing alongside us in this work!
New Year, New Hope - January 2026 Newsletter
Dear Supporters,
As we begin a new year, I want to say thank you for the incredible support you showed Food for Hope during the holiday season. November and December were challenging months for our staff, but your generous donations and encouragement kept us going. We truly couldn’t do this work without you. In my January blog, I asked the Food for Hope staff why they stick around when it gets hard. Read it to see their inspiring answers!
In 2026, we are celebrating being Rooted in our community. We are honoring the local relationships we have built that help us expand our reach and sustain our organization into the future. At Food for Hope, we have always valued pursuing meaningful connections to the schools and families we serve. Our desire is to provide curated and extensive resources to all of our district partners. This commitment to intentionality and dignity is worth highlighting, so we hope you will help celebrate our mission throughout the year.
We have a lot of exciting events coming up! I especially hope you will join us at our annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 16th. This year it's called: Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. Tickets go on sale March 1st! Follow along, stay engaged, and be a part of Food for Hope's growth this year.
Happy New Year, friends—and thank you for being part of our community.
Warmly,
Executive Director
emily@foodforhope.net
(Above: Students from one of our Adams 12 food pantries shopping with their family.)
Celebrating Impact
In 2025, Food for Hope distributed nearly 250,000 pounds of food, supporting more students and families than ever before. Each week, our food programs now serve almost 4,800 individuals, a powerful reminder of both the growing need and the growing impact of our work. As we continue to expand, we are incredibly thankful for our volunteers and community partners who walk alongside us—your time, generosity, and support make every meal and every moment of hope possible.
Business Sponsorships and Donations: Email Darcie@foodforhope.net
Annual Spring Fundraiser!
We’re excited to invite you to Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience, an evening designed to celebrate community, connection, and impact. Join us for a beautiful farm-to-table meal, meaningful storytelling, and hands-on experiences that highlight how hope grows when we come together. This special event supports Food for Hope’s mission and plants seeds for a brighter future for the students and families we serve. We can’t wait to gather with you and grow hope—together.
Community Connections
As we welcome the New Year, we’re incredibly thankful for the End-of-Year food drives that helped stock our shelves and support families in need.
Since the beginning of the year is a little quieter for food donations, now is a great time to get involved! Reach out to set up a fun, Spring-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community.
From December -
Stellar Elementary: 147 lbs
Riverdale Elementary: 483 lbs
Explore K-8: Food Donations 286 lbs
From January-
HOA Company: Meal Kits 548 lbs
CO Gear Restore: Food Donations 46 lbs
North Metro Church: Food Donations 527 lbs
Sola Salon: 124 lbs
Buffalo Run Golf Course - Bison Grill: 34 lbs and $100 Donation
What's Happening at Food for Hope?
Dutch Bros Locations: Brighton on Main, 136th and Huron, 120th and Irma, Hwy 7
2/17/26
Enjoy a Bowl or Warm Soup in a beautiful handmade bowl, all prepared by RRHS Students supporting Food for Hope!
Tickets available 3/1/26 - Sponsorships NOW Available: Darcie@foodforhope.net
Would you help share our story?
As Food for Hope continues to grow, sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, or coworkers, you help amplify our story and extend our impact. It takes less than a minute, but it helps open doors to new support, new partners, and new possibilities. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one shared connection at a time. Links are below - Follow Us & Share!
@FoodforHopeCO
Final Newsletter for 2025: December 202
Happy Holidays from Food for Hope!
December has been a busy month here at Food for Hope. Our team has made an extra effort to ensure families can source as much food as possible before the holidays, including some extras that lend dignity and joy to their celebrations. We received a lot of amazing food donations this month, so our staff worked tirelessly to distribute as much of them as possible before the school break. We also had one of our incredible partners - Murphy Company - pack 170 holiday baking kits. These boxes give families the ingredients to prepare goodies at home together during the holiday season! We hope the shelves are full for the families and children we serve, so that the year wraps up on a positive and encouraging note.
Thank you for helping make these efforts possible. If there is anything that the last couple months have shown me, it's that we need each other. And we can make an impact by coming together to serve our community well. In this month's blog, I share the story of a mom who stopped by our hub. It's an important reminder to notice those that life puts in our path. Even if you can't do much to help someone, you can always lend a listening ear.
As we wind down for the holiday break, I am taking a moment to reflect on what has been a momentous year at Food for Hope. (Check out some highlights below!) Sending you all best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!
Warmly,
Executive Director
emily@foodforhope.net
2025 Highlights
*We opened our first food pantry serving Mapleton Schools! The Wolverine Den is now incorporating fresh food, and we served over 100 individuals there last week!
*At our Birthday Bash in May, Food for Hope celebrated 10 years serving Adams County. Thank you for those who joined us for the party - enjoying food trucks, games, and live music.
*In 2025, we distributed 250,000 pounds of food through all of our various programs. Almost half of that food was given out during the last three months of the year!
*Food for Hope played a key role in responding to the hunger gap left by the suspension of SNAP benefits for thousands of families in Adams County. During only three weeks, community partners and volunteers helped us distribute 4,830 extra food bags and 1,000 grocery gift cards to affected families.
Help us end the year with a BANG!
As 2025 comes to a close, your support for Food for Hope can make a real difference in our community. Local students and families are counting on us—and on you—to ensure no one goes hungry. Your gift helps provide nutritious meals, food programming, and hope to those who need it most. Join us in ending the year with impact, and celebrate 2025 by partnering with Food for Hope to lift up our neighbors in need.
Community Connections
As we close out 2025, we’re feeling incredibly grateful. December brought so much goodness, lifting our spirits and brightening the end of our holiday season. Here are just a few of the amazing community partners who helped make this month shine:
***DUTCH BROS: 15 Local Stores supported Food for Hope for 1 Saturday in November donating more than $16,000***
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 236lbs
Calvary Bible Church: 1,324lbs
Thunder Vista P-8 School: 1,584lbs
Community Reach Center: 2,032lbs
ICryo: 55lbs
Advanced Space: 134lbs
CMTA: 108lbs
Pinnacle Charter School Club: 834lbs
Uptown Community Health: 357lbs
Community Pet Hospital: 230lbs
MYR: 225lbs
Rocksol: 250lbs
Karter School: 238lbs
Little Monkey Business: 37lbs
Fieldhouse Apartments: 50lbs
Winterfest 5k with 3W Races: 116lbs
North Metro Church 'Big Give': 322lbs
Trailside Neighborhood Assn: 236lbs
Girl Scout Troop: 62
Village Calvary Church: 58lbs
Intrepid Bodyworks: 80lbs
***More Last Minute Drives Coming In! Thank YOU!
Food drives are important all year long, not only during the holidays! If your company or group is interested in partnering with Food for Hope, we’d love to connect—please reach out to Darcie or Tiffany.
Have you seen our Food for Hope MERCH STORE?
Start the New Year with gear that gives back! Our Online Merchandise Store is packed with beautifully — and locally — designed apparel, now including kids’ sizes in fun, vibrant colors.
Every purchase helps feed local students and families in need, spreading Hope well beyond the holiday season.
Food for Hope Store
Food for Hope Events!
12/16/25 thru 12/31/25:
Chicken n Pickle CUP Campaign Thornton, CO
$.25 from each cup purchased goes back to Food for Hope!
Take your Family & Friends for some Holiday Fun!
2/17/2026:
Support Food for Hope at this NEW Event with 27J Riverdale High School!
Purchase a beautiful hand-made bowl and receive a warm dinner all while supporting local students!
SAVE THE DATE:
Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at
The Establishment, Westminster.
Would you help share our story?
Would you help share our story?
Your voice matters more than ever! As we step into the New Year, Food for Hope continues to face a growing waitlist of schools requesting our programs — which means too many children are still missing out on essential nutrition.
Because you share, Food for Hope has grown even more in 2025 — and we are so grateful. Please keep sharing!
You can help us continue expanding our impact simply by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. It takes less than a minute, and every share helps strengthen our work. Check out our social links: @FoodforHopeCO
Well Magazine - Dec. 2025
Food for Hope is excited to share the Winter and Spring 25-26 release of Well Magazine. You can read the Food for Hope article on page 18!
November Newsletter - 2025!
Dear Food for Hope Supporters,
I am writing to you as we are winding up Feed 5000, and the largest week of food distribution in Food for Hope history! Our efforts have resulted in hundreds of schools served with extensive food support for kids all across Adams County. We have a small staff, and we have all been stretched to our limit over the past few weeks. But you, our community, have held us up. You have donated, showed up, sweat alongside us, packed, sorted, and encouraged. Thank you! In this month's blog, I detailed more about what we have experienced over the last month and all the ways our supporters have made our work possible. I encourage you to check it out at the link below.
The aching feet, blisters, and scratched up hands are worth it when we know thousands of children will have what they need in the coming weeks. Our work is not over, but we are grateful. And if you are reading this message, then I am especially grateful for you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Warmly,
Executive Director
emily@foodforhope.net
Feed 5000 - Highlights
Feed 5000 is complete! We packed 2,500 holiday meal boxes with the help of hundreds of amazing volunteers and supporters! Thank you to our incredible community for lifting up others in need this holiday season. Together, we’re spreading hope, joy, and plenty of heart.
These boxes supported students at 160 schools and over 10,000 individuals all over Adams County!
Thank You, Food for Hope Community!
During the SNAP Emergency, Feed 5000, and ALL of November, you showed up in every way possible — through generous monetary gifts, food donations, extra volunteer hours, and endless encouragement. Our community came through, and because of you, we were able to continue feeding local students and families when they needed us most. Thanks to your help, we were able to distribute close to 5,000 extra supplemental food bags, stock additional food in our pantries, and give out hundreds of grocery gift cards to sustain families during a difficult time.
We’re also deeply grateful for the incredible grants and new partnerships that came our way during this time — a true reflection of your belief in our mission and the power of sharing the work we do.
From all of us at Food for Hope, thank you for standing beside us, spreading hope, and feeding hearts across Adams County.
Community Connections
As we head into the holiday season, we’re feeling extra grateful for the incredible community support we are receiving! Below are some of the amazing community partners from our crazy November Month:
SO MANY INDIVIDUAL FOOD DONATIONS - THANK YOU!
NOCO Women's Chamber of Commerce - Feed 5000 Support & Birthday Bags
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 77lbs
Dion's Pizza: $1,000 Extra SNAP Community Support Grant and Pizza Donation for Feed 5000 Core Volunteer Team
Modern Woodmen of America: Food Drive 1,134lbs
Target Distribution Center Team: Pallet Unloading
Do Gooder Games: 117lbs
Home School Group: 440lbs (Food Meal Bags)
Local Boy Scouts: 123lbs
Cub Scouts Pack 417: 471lbs
Windfall Brewery: 425lbs
Advanced Space: 246lbs
Rocky Mountain Pride Bands: 566lbs
*The rest of the donations have not been updated yet. We are behind but will catch up soon!
If your company or group is interested in partnering with Food for Hope, we’d love to connect—please reach out to Darcie or Tiffany.
Food for Hope Merch for the Holidays!
Our Online Merchandise Store is full of beautifully (& locally) designed apparel that gives back. We NOW have Kids Sizes Available in Fun Colors!
Each purchase helps feed local students and families in need — and share the gift of Hope for the holidays!
Upcoming Events!
Dutch Bros Community Fundraiser!
Saturday 11/22 - Go Treat yourself, friends or family with a Dutch Bros Drink at 15 Local Locations (Northglenn, Thornton, Westminster, Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights and more!). $1 from each drink will support Food for Hope Food Programming!
Chicken n Pickle CUP Campaign Thornton, CO
12/16 thru 12/31
$.25 from each cup purchased goes back to Food for Hope!
Take your Family & Friends for some Holiday Fun!
CO Gives Day!
All donations will be doubled up to $50,000!
Increase your impact and make your year-end donation that day or schedule your donation using the button below!
SAVE THE DATE:
Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at The Establishment, Westminster.
Would you help share our story?
Your voice is powerful! Food for Hope has a waitlist of schools requesting our programs, and that means children are missing out on essential nutrition every day. You can help our organization grow by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. This simple action takes less than a minute, and you’re helping expand our reach to support our work. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community—one connection at a time.
Social Media: Food for Hope CO
Panda Express Chooses Food for Hope for Ribbon Cutting Donation!
Panda Express has officially opened a new location in Thornton at 7120 E 128th Avenue. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday morning, joined by the City of Thornton’s Office of Economic Development, Thornton Area Chamber of Commerce and Food for Hope! Upon cutting the ribbon, Panda Express donated $1000.00 to Food for Hope’s efforts in food insecurity at Adams County Schools. The popular fast-casual chain continues to grow in the community, offering another convenient spot for residents to enjoy its American-Chinese favorites!
11/12/25 - 11/18/25: Food for Hope Selected as Nonprofit Partner for Kyle Clark’s “Next” on 9NEWS
Food for Hope Selected as Nonprofit Partner for Kyle Clark’s “Next” Word of Thanks on 9NEWS
Food for Hope is honored to be chosen as a nonprofit partner for Kyle Clark – Next on Channel 9 News in Denver. This incredible opportunity comes at a crucial time, as we work to complete our Feed 5000 campaign and ensure local families receive a Holiday Meal Box this season.
Kyle Clark and the Next community are helping us close the final gap in donations, making it possible for thousands of families to enjoy a complete, nourishing holiday meal. Any additional funds raised will go directly into expanding our food programming, strengthening our In-School Food Pantries, and supporting students and families facing food insecurity across Adams County.
We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for everyone who steps in to support their neighbors. Together, we’re building a brighter, more hopeful holiday season for our community.
October Newsletter
Dear Supporters and Friends,
Working in hunger relief is never easy, but Food for Hope is currently facing one of the biggest challenges our organization has ever encountered. With SNAP benefits suspended for at least a month, millions of families across the nation are worried about having enough to eat. Right here in Adams County, over 30,000 children are at risk of going hungry. At a recent meeting, a representative from another food pantry shared that a parent told her they expected to eat very little in order to ensure their kids were fed. They said they would just drink water as long as it means the children have what they need.
No parent should have to be in this situation. Food for Hope is uniquely positioned to help during this crisis, and we are doing our best to mobilize extra resources in the coming weeks. However, we are not funded for the volume of food needed to meet this elevated need. This is where our incredible community can make a real difference. Your support is needed now more than ever. Our small organization can do mighty things with the backing of those who believe in our work.
You can help by choosing local, leading with your heart, and investing in your own community. I wrote our October Blog with more details about the SNAP Benefit suspension, so take a moment to check it out.
Whether your heart leads you to support a family through our Feed 5000 Holiday Meal Boxes, or to provide immediate relief via our SNAP Gap Emergency Fund, every gift makes a tangible difference. Every meal, every box, every act of kindness helps ensure children and families don’t have to face hunger alone.
Together, we can continue to stand strong as a community that cares, supports, and nourishes. Thank you for being a beacon of hope for so many in Adams County.
Warmly,
Executive Director
emily@foodforhope.net
Feed 5000 - Holiday Meal Boxes
IT'S TIME FRIENDS...This holiday season, join Food for Hope in bringing warmth, dignity, and full plates to local families through our Feed 5000 Holiday Meal Program!
Each $35 donation provides a complete holiday meal box for one Adams County family—filled with shelf-stable sides, dessert, and a gift card for fresh produce or meat. Every box is distributed through our partner school districts, ensuring that families who need it most feel supported and cared for.
This season, let’s make it about Families Supporting Families.
Give today and help spread hope—one meal, one family at a time!
Support a Local Family for the Holidays Here!
Food Pantry Highlight:
Wolverine Den at Mapleton Public Schools
This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight the Mapleton Schools Wolverine Den Food Pantry! Opened in March 2025, this pantry has been growing slow but steady—and is already making a meaningful impact. Just last week, we supported over 75 individuals from 16 Mapleton families!
During check-in, we learned that many families hadn’t visited a food pantry in over a year. It was heartwarming to see them shop for nutritious, shelf-stable items like oatmeal, cereal, pasta, rice, proteins, fruits, sauces, condiments, and vegetables.
We’re also excited to share that Food for Hope recently added a freezer to the Mapleton location—allowing us to now offer frozen meats and tortillas. Families have been especially grateful for this addition! We will also be adding a refrigerator and adding more fresh options in the coming months.
Each visit reminds us that access to good food truly brings hope and dignity to our neighbors. Click the link below to help us add extra food to the shelves of this location and at other schools during the upcoming month!
Food for Hope Named Hometown Heroes!
The Food for Hope team was honored to be selected as Hometown Heroes by Modern Woodmen of America, a Fraternal Financial Organization dedicated to supporting local communities.
The Hometown Heroes program recognizes individuals and organizations who make a difference through selfless service and dedication. Honorees are nominated by community members, and each award includes a generous donation from Modern Woodmen to support a local charity or cause of the recipient’s choice.
A huge thank you to Mandi and the team at Modern Woodmen of America for recognizing our work and partnering to fight food insecurity in our community. We also celebrated this special recognition with a fun luncheon at Main Event in Thornton, CO!
Community Connections
As we welcome fall and head into the holiday season, we’re feeling extra grateful for the incredible community support we receive all year long! Below are some of the amazing community partners from October who made a big impact.
CIMA Energy Golf Tournament: 282lbs and $3100
Orchard Town Center: Spooky Sweets Stroll $1500
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 74lbs
Dion's Pizza: $1,000 Grant and Staff Lunch
Modern Woodmen of America: Hometown Heroes Award and Donation
Echo City Church Food Drive: 1,304lbs
Malley Transitional Care Food Drive: 70lbs
If your company or group is interested in partnering with Food for Hope, we’d love to connect—please reach out to Darcie or Tiffany.
Food for Hope Merch NOW AVAILABLE!
Food for Hope is excited to share our new Online Merchandise Store! Each item you purchase helps to feed local students and families who need our help with food in their homes. Take a look around at the beautifully (& locally) designed apparel!
Upcoming Events
Monday Nov. 17, 2025 - Friday Nov. 21: Feed 5000 Week!
Click here for more information.
SAVE THE DATE:
Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at The Establishment, Westminster.
Would you help share our story?
Your voice is powerful! Food for Hope has a waitlist of schools requesting our programs, and that means children are missing out on essential nutrition every day. You can help our organization grow by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. This simple action takes less than a minute, and you’re helping expand our reach to support our work. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community—one connection at a time. Check out our social links below!
Thank you for following along with Food for Hope in our journey to come alongside families experiencing food insecurity. There are currently a lot of things happening in our community and around the world that can make us feel helpless. Feeling unable to do something when you are witnessing painful events only amplifies the heartache. September is actually Hunger Action Month, and I wrote a blog about things that we can do when we are feeling helpless. I hope you will consider your circumstances, your resources, your gifts, talents, and time. What can you give to another that would help and potentially ease tension that exists in their life? Reach out to me at my email below and let me know what you decide to do! Taking action and creating positivity are powerful tools, and we can all do something.
Also, stay tuned! Feed 5000 season is just around the corner! With your help, we will provide a full Thanksgiving meal to over 10,000 Adams County residents. You won't want to miss it! More details coming soon. Best wishes for all the fall joys coming our way.
Warmly,
Executive Director
emily@foodforhope.net
Become a Monthly Donor. Click here!
Each year, Food for Hope surveys local families that shop at our In-School Food Pantries so we can evaluate meeting their needs and make any necessary changes to help them in the most effective way.
The Spring 2025 Survey responses reflected:
39% - Shop in our In-School Food Pantries once a week
94.2% - Say our Food Pantries have had an overall positive impact on their children's health.
55.1% - Say without our Food Pantry resources they or someone in their household, including children, would have to skip a meal at least once a week.
89.8% - Say Food for Hope meets their preferences for culturally appropriate foods.
79.7% - Say Food for Hope meets their dietary and health needs with food choices.
Food Pantries - Open for Business!
This past month, Food for Hope proudly re-opened 9 In-School Food Pantries, bringing fresh and shelf-stable food directly to students and families experiencing food insecurity. As we set up, organized, and delivered food, we were greeted with smiles and gratitude from our school communities. Our pantries serve families in School Districts 27J, Adams 14, Mapleton, Pinnacle Charter School, and Adams 12, including McElwain Elementary, STEM Launch, Northglenn High, Shadow Ridge Middle School, and Coronado Elementary. Most pantries are open during the week for families and students to shop, while Pinnacle Charter School offers a convenient online order system to meet the needs of their community.
You can also help by sponsoring a child for $25 a month. Click here!
Thornton Area Bike-n-Brew 2025 - Results are in!
The 3rd Annual Thornton Area Bike-n-Brew, hosted by Satire Brewing, was a huge success in support of Food for Hope! Riders enjoyed a fun trail ride, engaging vendors, and exciting live music, all while coming together for a great cause. Thanks to the incredible support from participants, vendors, and Satire Brewing, we raised over $3,900—enough to provide food support for 780 local students experiencing food insecurity. Stay tuned for the 4th Annual Bike-n-Brew, and thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!
Community Connections
As we kick off a new school year and step into fall, we are especially grateful for the incredible community support we receive all year long! Below are some of the amazing community supporters from September who made a big impact.
CHFA - Volunteer Day!
Omni Interlocken - Volunteer Day!
Echo City Food Drive: 74lbs
Starstone Church Food Drive: 985lbs
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 87lbs
Labor Day Weekend Community Food Drive-Stargate NHS Students: 111lbs
Cross of Christ: 95lbs
If your company or group is interested in partnering with Food for Hope, we’d love to connect—please reach out to Darcie or Tiffany.
SNEAK PEAK!!
Mark your calendars! Food for Hope is launching a merch store on October 1st! All items are made to order, and not available anywhere except for on our website. All purchases will benefit our mission AND will help you step up your wardrobe game! Stay tuned to your email and our socials for the official link to be released next week.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Oct 12, 2025, 11am-2pm: Spooky Sweets Stroll, Orchard Town Center
Monday Nov. 17, 2025 - Friday Nov. 21: Feed 5000 Week!
Click here for more information.
SAVE THE DATE:
Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at The Establishment, Westminster.
Would you help share our story?
Your voice is powerful! Food for Hope has a waitlist of schools requesting our programs, and that means children are missing out on essential nutrition every day. You can help our organization grow by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. This simple action takes less than a minute, and you’re helping expand our reach to support our work. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community—one connection at a time. @FoodforHopeCO
