Want to help contribute to food pantries during the COVID-19 crisis? While monetary donations are the preferred means to combat hunger and help provide meals to people, there are a number of drop-off locations in the Denver area that will accept food donations.

Make sure to read the type of food donations they accept and double-check their website for any changes that may have been made since the time of this blog being published. Also, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure someone is on-site to collect your goods. Have another recommendation? Leave a comment at the end of the blog!

Bienvenidos Food Bank, 3810 Pecos St.

Since 1976, Bienvenidos Food Bank has provided Northwest Denver individuals and families with food assistance in a safe, welcoming place. Whether it’s at our storefront market or mobile pantry, or emergency food locations, Bienvenidos provides enough food to make more than 300,000 meals. Through our partnerships with local grocery stores and other food providers, we are able to turn every $1 cash donation into more than $9 worth of food including fresh meat and produce.

Check out these locations where you can drop off food donations for the Bienvenidos Food Bank:

• Bienvenidos Food Bank, 3810 Pecos St.
  Donation Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m.

“We accept donations of fresh and frozen food at this location as well as larger amounts of food. Drive in the alley (east side) and we’ll help you unload (please knock or ring the doorbell). Or, call to schedule a drop off time — 303-433-6328. If you are dropping off food and we aren’t there, please leave a message to let us know that you’ve left food.” –  Bienvenidos Food Bank

• Cherry Bean Coffee (please don’t leave large amounts here), 4059 Tejon St. Denver, CO 80211 (720-573-6162)
  Donation Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (hours during Covid-19 restrictions)
  Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Highland Lutheran Church, 3995 Irving St. Denver, 80211
  Donation Hours: anytime
  Look for the orange donation bin by the front door

Metro Caring, 1100 E. 18th Ave.

At Metro Caring, we’re meeting people’s immediate food needs while addressing the root cause of hunger — poverty. We provide nutritious groceries to our neighbors, and also offer comprehensive anti-hunger resources so that families can break the cycle of poverty.

If you are interested in donating food to Metro Caring, start with this list. These are the nutritious items that our shoppers have requested in a recent survey. This is just a starting point.  Donations of other healthy and nutritious items are welcome.

• Donation hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. ; Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

You are welcome to come by the back door to drop off food at any point during those hours.

(Please note: Metro Caring is closed to participants the 1st Wednesday of every month for staff training. If you plan to bring food donations on that day, please call ahead to ensure that someone is here to receive you).

Integrated Family Community Services

Formerly Inter-Faith Community Services, IFCS is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families earning low-incomes in western Arapahoe County and northern Douglas County since 1964. Thousands of volunteer hours, food, clothing, and household items are donated by individuals, schools, congregations, and community organizations to insure that IFCS can continue to provide much needed services. IFCS provides a “hand-up,” not a “hand-out” by giving motivation, incentive, and by providing services not available elsewhere in Arapahoe County.

While they prefer your monetary donations to their virtual food drive, they do also welcome food donations. Consider hosting a food drive through your neighborhood, company, school, service organization or group. Contact IFCS to find out how your group can best help provide food and assistance for families.

Denver Inner City Parish

The Denver Inner City Parish supports individuals and families in the Denver community, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. Their mission statement includes:

• Education and Youth Development – focusing on education and development so at-risk youth create larger visions for their lives and become role models for future generations.
• Hunger Relief – meeting clients’ basic needs and reducing food insecurity.
• Health and Wellness – increasing access to and consumption of healthy foods, access to nutrition and resource education, and increasing access to active lifestyle options by participants.
• Community Support – providing navigation support for services, resources and benefits navigation for people of all ages.

Although they do not accept food donations, you can support their hunger relief efforts by shopping through  smile.amazon.com. You’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Denver Inner City Parish. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

Covenant Cupboard

For over 20 years, Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry (CCFP) has served those facing food insecurity in a respectful and compassionate environment.  CCFP is an all volunteer organization. It’s annual budget is totally devoted to food pantry operations: food purchases, supplies, rent, transportation, and maintaining our resources. The longevity and evolution of the food pantry is made possible through the valuable support of volunteers and community organizations dedicated to these efforts.

As this time, needs include canned protein (meat and nut butters), canned fruit and vegetables, soup and chili, pasta and rice, cereal and oatmeal, breakfast and nutrition bars, dry beans and cleaning materials.

Drop off your donations on Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Presbyterian Church of Covenant, 5400 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village, 80111. Phone: 720-841-5129

Secor Cares

SECOR Cares serves the residents of Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties who are struggling with suburban poverty.  Through their free food market, guests are able to shop and put food on their tables, without concern for payment.

Please contact them, info@secorcares.com or 720-841-5129 to find out what items they need. They are located at 13151 Pine Lane in Parker.

Peace with Christ Lutheran Church

• Canned Meat/Tuna
• Cereal
• Soup
• Ramen
• Boxed Meals
• Pasta & Sauces
• Chips
• Canned Fruit/Fruit Cups
• Breakfast Items
• Grocery bags – paper & plastic

They will be accepting donations from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Donna Patton, DonnaP727@me.com, or 720-244-6116. Peace with Christ Lutheran Church is located at 3290 S. Tower Rd., Aurora.