In 2026, Food for Hope is celebrating being Rooted in our community. We are honoring the local relationships that help us expand our reach and sustain our mission. At Food for Hope, our goal is to provide thoughtful, curated, and comprehensive resources to all of our school district partners. This commitment to intentionality and dignity is something we are proud of—and we hope you’ll celebrate it with us throughout the year. The February Blog explains how we started 11 years ago and how we are becoming more Rooted as we grow!
During the month of February, we are inviting families who visit our food pantries to complete Food for Hope's annual survey to help us better understand and support their needs. As I read the responses coming in, I am more determined than ever to serve our community well. One mom shared that she regularly skips dinner so that her children can eat. Another parent explained that their family used to go without food, but thanks to our pantry at their school, they now get to eat delicious things like spaghetti! With your continued support, we can reach more families with hope and a warm meal. Stay tuned—we look forward to sharing more of what we learn through these surveys!
And finally, I would like to invite you to join us for our annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 16: Rooted in Hope–Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. Tickets are on sale now, and you can buy before March 15th to get the early-bird discount! Follow along, stay engaged, and be part of Food for Hope’s continued growth this year.
Sincerely,
Emily Stromquist - Executive Director - Food for Hope
Hunger Hides
Hunger hides in our community more than most people realize. In Adams County, Colorado, 1 in 7 children faces food insecurity — meaning they don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. That uncertainty is a burden no child should have to bear.
Through school-based programs, Food for Hope supports nearly 2,470 individuals across 40 local schools each week, ensuring kids and families have access to consistent, nutritious food. Because hunger doesn’t always look like an empty plate — sometimes it looks like a smiling child who just needs a little extra support.
Together, we can make sure hunger doesn’t get the last word in Adams County.
Special Thanks to Local Dutch Bros and Riverdale Ridge High School for these Amazing Events!
A huge thank you to Dutch Bros for spreading the love on Dutch Luv Day and raising over $3,000 to support students and families experiencing food insecurity in Adams County Schools. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of local kids, helping ensure they have consistent access to food through Food for Hope’s in-school programs. We are so grateful for your partnership and heart for our community!
We also want to extend our appreciation to Riverdale Ridge High School for hosting an incredible Empty Bowls event. Beautifully curated by the DECA program, the ProStart Restaurant Careers CTE Pathway Program, and the Visual Art Program–Ceramic Arts, the evening showcased student talent while raising critical funds for Food for Hope’s school-based food programming. While final numbers are still coming in, we already know the event was a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who made the night so meaningful and impactful!
You’re Invited!
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming event: Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. You don't want to miss this evening designed to celebrate community, connection, and impact. Join us for a beautiful farm-to-table meal, meaningful storytelling, and hands-on experiences that highlight how hope grows when we come together. This special event supports Food for Hope’s mission and plants seeds for a brighter future for the students and families we serve. Tickets are available now! Get yours before March 15th to secure the early-bird discount.
Additionally, if you are interested in donating to our silent auction or sponsoring the event then please email Darcie@foodforhope.net. Use your business to elevate our mission!
Community Connections
We felt the love from our community during the month of February!
Dutch Brothers - 'Share the Love' Day: $3,100
Bison Grill @ Buffalo Run: 45 pounds of food
Prairie Hills Elementary School: 175 pounds of food
Explore PreK - 8: 8 Birthday Bags
St. Anthony North: 50 pounds of food
Good Shepherd UMC: 175 pounds of food & 'Souper Bowl' of Caring
NOCO Women's Chamber: Coffee Donations
Reach out to set up a fun, Spring-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community. We can provide ideas, flyers, collection bins and pick up your donations!
What's Happening at Food for Hope?
*Now through March 31, 2026 - You can donate your favorite cereal to Food for Hope at Malibu Jacks in Thornton, CO! Each donation will receive Free Ride Passes.
*March 1-March 31 Your Food Donations can be dropped by Chick-fil-A and you will receive a Free Food Menu Item Card! (Participate at any of the locations listed above)
Would you help share our story?
As Food for Hope blossoms this spring, you can help our impact grow right alongside it. By sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers, you’re helping our story take root in new places.
It only takes a moment, but it can open the door to new supporters, new partnerships, and fresh possibilities. Together, we’re cultivating a stronger, more compassionate community—one shared connection at a time.
Links: @FoodforHopeCO (Facebook, Instagram, Linked In)
