Community Food Share’s Programs
Our hunger-relief network is designed to provide a variety of ways for people to access food when times get tough. In fact, 28% of the food Community Food Share distributes is given directly to those who need it through the following programs.
Our Onsite Food Pantry: Feeding Families
Feeding Families is Community Food Share’s pantry in Louisville that serves individuals and families. Participants may visit once a week, and our “choice pantry” model allows them to choose the fresh produce, milk, grains, and other nutritious staples they need to live active, healthy lives. Feeding Families is open for in-person shopping on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Thursdays from 12:00 – 6:00 PM; Fridays from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Sometimes — due to a job loss, death of a provider in the family, an unexpected illness, or other reason — our neighbors just need a little bit more support. That’s why Community Food Share provides no-cost groceries to individuals and families with limited financial resources in partnership with TEFAP, a federal program. Participants that meet TEFAP income guidelines may access additional pantry items provided by TEFAP, like beans, peanut butter, canned vegetables, and cereals, while they shop Community Food Share’s onsite pantry.
Mobile Pantries
Not everyone can get to our onsite food pantry or visit one of our Partner Agencies due to transportation challenges, medical disabilities, conflicting work schedules, or other barriers — so we go to them. Community Food Share brings “pantries on wheels” to neighborhoods with limited access to nutritious foods, delivering fresh produce, dairy, meat, and more to schools, churches, YMCAs, and other locations throughout Boulder and Broomfield Counties.
Our Senior Food Program: Elder Share
Seniors’ health depends heavily on nutrition. However, getting healthy food can be difficult for older adults who not only depend on a fixed income, but who also have limited transportation options — or may even be homebound.
Our Elder Share program provides free groceries, twice per month, to seniors with low incomes in neighborhoods throughout Boulder and Broomfield Counties. For homebound individuals, one of our volunteers can drop grocery items off directly at their residence. Food choices include fresh produce, milk, meat and frozen items, deli products, eggs, bread, shelf-stable pantry items, and other nutritious options.
Emergency Food
In addition to TEFAP, we provide free, emergency food to people in need of immediate assistance to help bridge the gap until they can visit another existing program. Participants receive both fresh and non-perishable food items, and staff members often customize the selection based on recipients’ dietary restrictions as well as their access to food storage and cooking appliances. This service is provided at our warehouse and can be accessed once every three months. Additionally, all recipients receive information about (and referrals to) other resources for extended or ongoing food needs.
SNAP Application Assistance
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly assistance for individuals and families who need help getting enough food. Benefits are distributed to recipients on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which works like a debit card. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores, convenience stores and some farmer’s markets and co-op food programs. SNAP can be a great way to ensure you and your family have access to nutritious foods in between visits to the pantry. Ask us about applying for SNAP!