Where to find food assistance programs

More in need after SNAP benefits decrease

BY ELLLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Low-income households face a tighter budget this month as the program that helps families in Colorado buy food saw its pandemic-era funding boost come to an end.

Coloradans who receive bene ts from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, had received an extra amount of bene ts every month since March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

e extra amount, or “emergency allotments,” were authorized by Congress, but they ended due to recent congressional action. A nal emergency allotment was issued in February, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services.

If you’re struggling with the drop in bene ts, it may help to turn to local programs and organizations.

Here’s a look at the local government departments or food pantries in your area and how to contact them. Make sure to ask, or check their websites, for any requirements.

Adams County e Adams County Food Bank sits at 7111 E. 56th Ave. in Commerce City, just west of Quebec Street and a bit north of Interstate 270. It’s open see adamscountyfoodbank.org. e human services department has locations at 11860 N. Pecos St. in Westminster, a short drive west of Interstate 25 and south of 120th Avenue, and at 3155 N. Chambers Road, unit C, in Aurora, near Smith Road and south of Interstate 70.

For a list of other food banks and pantries, see the county’s website at adamscountycovid19.org/foodbanks-and-pantries — but be sure to check that the services are current.

For other assistance, contact Adams County Human Services Department at 720-523-2700 (or 303-375-2980 for the Aurora part of Adams County). Or see adcogov.org/ human-services.

Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert counties Integrated Family Community Services, a nonpro t near Englewood, provides food and other low-income support to families across the south metro region.

IFCS has a service area of western Arapahoe and northern Douglas counties, including Englewood, Sheridan, Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Glendale, Lone Tree and Greenwood Village. e service area has also included southwest Denver neighborhoods, south of Jewell Avenue and west of Santa Fe Drive.

IFCS sits at 3370 S. Irving St. in the Sheridan area, northwest of Federal Boulevard and Hampden Avenue. It’s open 8 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. Monday through Friday, reachable at 303-789-0501. Or see ifcs.org.

Farther southeast, SECORCares in Parker serves the residents of Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert counties with a food pantry open from 9 a.m.–

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