Back to School Notes from Emily, our Director - August Edition

Welcome to a new school year! Many of us are experiencing the challenges of busy schedules, homework, packing lunches, and the logistics of getting children all the places they need to go. In a recent interview (which you can see below!), a news anchor asked me what it was like for parents to navigate this time of year with limited resources. There are so many expectations: back to school shopping, school supply lists, snacks, sports equipment. It seems like an unending stream of needs! The costs can be overwhelming for everyone, but particularly parents who are struggling to pay their standard life expenses. Food for Hope is striving to do our part to help these parents and their students start the year off in a positive way. Our pantries, weekend food bags, and School Fuel snack program ensure children will always have the vital nutrition they need, regardless of circumstances at home. You can partner with us in this effort by signing up to be monthly donor! The link is below. 

Despite the adjustments this time of year requires, I hope that you and your family are entering this new season with hope and expectation. Best wishes for a fabulous year! 

Warmly, 

Emily Stromquist -Food for Hope Executive Director

Calling all Core Volunteers!

Each year, Food for Hope gathers our core volunteers to build community, undergo training, and celebrate all they have helped our organization to accomplish. You may be wondering - who is considered a core volunteer?  These are the volunteers who play a pivotal role in our weekly operations. They consistently work at food pantries, drive the truck and restock shelves, work at events, help procure food, and more. Along with some annual training, we gave out awards and some fun giveaways too.  It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces we value deeply—and even reconnect with some we haven’t seen since May. Thank you for those took the time to join us at this event. We appreciate that you choose to continue to walk with us in service to our community. Our volunteers truly are the heart of Food for Hope!


Interested in Volunteering this School Year? Contact Tiffany.

We are grateful for the incredible community support we receive throughout the whole year! Below are some of the partnerships and connections that made a difference this Summer.

 Bubble Bash - Orchard Town Center - Duck Pond/Donations

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church - Monthly Food Drive support 
Tailwinds of Hope - 242 pounds of food from their golf tournament!
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. 

Would you help share our story?

Your voice is powerful! Food for Hope has a waitlist of schools waiting for 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.  Together, we can grow our programs, increase access to vital resources, and serve more families in need. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community—one connection at a time.

@FoodforHopeCO

Upcoming Events!

Denver7 News features Food for Hope - shares how you can help!

We were thankful to be visited by Denver7’s Claire Lavezzorio and chat with her about Food for Hope operations. We shared that we currently have twelve schools on a waitlist for services, and that we are making an effort to raise funds to bridge that gap as soon as possible. Thank you to Patty & Scott - our amazing volunteers who showed up and showed off their hardwork!

Denver7 story on Food for Hope.

MSN Shares Food for Hope In-School Food Pantry Interview & Video!

We’re honored that MSN shared the story of Food for Hope’s In-School Food Pantry program, highlighting the impact it has on students and families right here in our community. Together, we’re making sure children have access to nutritious food so they can learn, grow, and thrive.

You can be part of the story—Donate, Volunteer, or Share to support Food for Hope today!

Read the MSN Article Here!

9News with Kyle Clark Features Food for Hope

Food for Hope was featured last night on Next with Kyle Clark on 9News! They visited us at our pantry at the Adams 14 School District. We are thankful for the client who was willing to share why the in-school pantry model is so helpful and effective. As they share in the video, we do have a waitlist for services. If you would like to partner with us to ensure our work continues, then you can donate here or click the button below. Just $25 per month will ensure a child has everything they need to grow and thrive.

Food for Hope - Annual Report 2024-2025

In 2024–2025, Food for Hope fed more people than ever before, received more food donations than ever before, raised more funds than ever before, and distributed more food than in any year in our history.

While we didn’t quite meet our ambitious goals, we recognize the challenges many nonprofits face and feel incredibly grateful for our amazing supporters and community who continue to stand with us. Together, we know we will reach new heights this year—join us in partnering to ensure every student and family has the food they need to thrive.

Food for Hope on Great Day Colorado!

Great Day Colorado recently visited Food for Hope to share our mission of fighting food insecurity in our community. As we head into the back-to-school season, we’re working hard to feed even more students and families—distributing over 20,000 pounds of food each week during the school year! There are 3 easy ways to support Food for Hope: 1. Share our Mission 2. Become a Monthly Donor 3. Volunteer.

Summer Stories - June & July Newsletter

 

As I write you this note, our staff just completed our 2025 Food for Hope retreat.  I am so fortunate to work with a team of smart, compassionate individuals who are able to think creatively and devise ways to make our resources go further.  We are looking forward to a year of ensuring our food support reaches as many children as possible, while lending dignity and hope to those we serve.  One question we are addressing this year is: how do we curate quality food items with a limited budget?  One of our staff members phrased it, "food with flavor, comfort, and dignity fights more than just hunger". We don't just operate food pantries or distribute food bags, but our organization strives to meet children and families with meaningful services that lay the foundation for future stability and success. Will you help come alongside us in this effort? If so, there are two things we need: Advocates for our mission and more monthly donors.  Read below to see how you can partner with us in these ways. And, as we kick-off our 11th school year of service, we hope you will walk with us for the adventure ahead.

Warmly,

Emily Stromquist 

Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Become a Monthly Donor. Click here!

 

City of Northglenn Mudapalooza 2025

Food for Hope had the opportunity to partner with City of Northglenn for the 17th annual Mudapalooza Volleyball Tournament.  Over 50 teams attended the tournament to battle it out in the mud.  Everyone was in good spirits while listening to the DJ's tunes, enjoying time with friends, and vying for the title of Mudapalooza Champions.  Satire Brewing Company generously donated all of the beer, and Food for Hope volunteers helped served participants who needed a cold drink! A huge thank you to the City of Northglenn Recreation Department,Satire Brewing and all of our volunteers.  We raised $2,700 that will support all the programs of Food for Hope! 

 



June & July Blogs

“The How Behind the Hope”

In her blog, Reba shares what really goes on behind the scenes at Food for Hope! She walks us through how food gets chosen, packed, and delivered to students and families each week—with lots of help from volunteers, school staff, and community partners. Reba’s passion for making sure families get the right food at the right time shines through every answer. It’s a great peek into the heart and hustle behind Food for Hope’s work!

"A Lifetime of Service: The Heartbeat of Food for Hope"
Tiffany’s guest blog highlights the vital role volunteers play in supporting families across Adams County. From young children to retired adults, she shares how people of all ages contribute their time, energy, and compassion to further the mission of feeding students in need. 

Read Summer Blogs Here!





Would you help share our story?

Your voice is powerful! Food for Hope has a waitlist of schools waiting for 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.  Together, we can grow our programs, increase access to vital resources, and serve more families in need. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community—one connection at a time. Check out our social links below! 

You can also help by sponsoring a child for $25 a month. Click here!

 

Community Connections

We are grateful for the incredible community support we receive throughout the whole year! Below are some of the partnerships and connections that made a difference this Summer.

 

Chicken 'n Pickle - Featured Non-Profit for Soft Opening and Staff Luncheon

Intrepid Bodyworks - Monthly Food Drives 

Nutri-Fit by Natalie - Give Back on Classes & Food Drive / Donation

Metro Pavers Inc - Food Drive 

NOCO Women's Chamber - Tea and Coffee Donation

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church - Monthly Food Drives 

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. 

 

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday, August 10, 2025: Bubble Bash, Orchard Town Center, 11am-1pm
    (Want to     Volunteer?) More info below!

  • Saturday September 6, 2025: Thornton Area Bike-n-Brew, Satire Brewing, 3pm-6pm --> More Info below!

  •  SAVE THE DATE: Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at The Establishment, Westminster, CO.

 

Food for Hope on Northern Vibes Podcast

Executive Director, Emily Stromquist, was featured on the Northern Vibes podcast! She got real about the challenges facing Food for Hope and why programs work the way they do. What are the stereotypes circulating about families that need food support? And what is the reality of building a nonprofit from the ground to help address childhood hunger in the community? Listen here to find out!