Where to find food assistance programs in Denver metro area

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 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Reach it at 720-8783563 or 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

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.

Proclaiming Christ from the Mountains to the Plains www.StJoanArvada.org

12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232

Daily Masses: 8:30am, Mon-Sat

Confessions: 8am Tue-Fri; 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30am, 5:30pm e service area has also included southwest Denver neighborhoods, south of Jewell Avenue and west of Santa Fe Drive.

Services, a nonpro t near Englewood, provides food and other lowincome 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.

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 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday and ursday and 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. New guests should arrive one hour before closing time for the intake process. Returning guests should arrive 30 minutes before closing.

See secorcares.com or call 720842-5621. SECORCares sits at 17151 Pine Lane in Parker, just east of Jordan Road.

In Elbert County, e Food Bank of Kiowa Creek Community Church operates from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Mondays, 3–6 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.–1 p.m. the second Friday of each month.

Call 303-243-6500 or see kiowacreek.org/who-we-are/foodbank-of-kiowa-creek-communitychurch. It’s located at 231 Cheyenne St. in Kiowa, about one block north of the intersection of state High-