May Newsletter 2026 - Hope in Bloom

Food for Hope logo

Recently, I attended an "Impact in Action" luncheon celebrating all the Adams 12 Five Star Schools employees who help meet the needs of families in their district. I was inspired by the teachers, community liaisons, and administrators who go above and beyond the duties of their jobs to ensure students have what they need to be successful in school. While there, I was told of a father whose family was so desperate for food that he walked 2.5 miles each way to one of the district's resource hubs. I'm so thankful to be part of a network of organizations and schools that can provide for children when circumstances make life difficult. Our pantries, food bags, and school fuel snacks give hope to kids who face these challenging situations each day.

As we finish our 11th full school year in service to Adams County, I want to extend gratitude to those of you who continue to walk beside us in our work. In the words of one parent who completed our survey this year, "This is incredibly helpful during these difficult times we are going through. Thank you so much for your assistance—especially for making it so accessible".

Thank you for helping us move forward and help more families each year! Enjoy the warmth and rest of the summer. Check out our upcoming events below and stay connected to Food for Hope!

Warmly, 

Emily Stromquist, Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Quote from Food Pantry Shopper about how Food for Hope has helped them and their family.

Quote from Food Pantry Shopper about how Food for Hope has helped them and their family translated to Spanish.

And the 2025-2026 School Year Ends…

2025-2026 Food for Hope’s end-of-school-year Food Distribution totals

As the school year comes to a close, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for our community, volunteers, donors, and partners who made this year possible. Together, Food for Hope distributed over 270,000 lbs of food to more than 60 schools across Adams County throughout the year.

Through our programs, we supported an average of over 4,000 individuals and 1,700 students experiencing food insecurity each month.

Thank You Volunteers for a Great Year!

Photo of volunteers helping out inside Food for Hope’s warehouse

Our volunteers are the heart of Food for Hope, and we are so grateful for the incredible support you have given this year! From driving your own cars to deliver food, driving our Big Truck even in bad weather, stocking and working in school food pantries, packing weekend food bags, sorting and inventorying donations, volunteering at events, and so much more. Your dedication helps us serve students and families across Adams County every single day. Thank you for making a difference in our community!

We would love to have you join us this summer through our events and volunteer opportunities. Summer volunteer opportunities are a great way for students to start their needed hours for school as well!  

Learn more about volunteering and sign up at www.foodforhope.net/volunteer.

(Event Volunteering/Event Tent for Summer Events)

Corporate Sponsor Spotlights

Dunamis - a Sprout Sponsor of Food for Hope

Thank you to Dunamis-Energy Colorado for supporting Food for Hope as a Sprout Sponsor in our Corporate Sponsorship Program. Your partnership helps us continue providing hope and nourishment to students and families in our community.

We are excited to grow this partnership and look forward to volunteering together soon!

Caesars Entertainment - a Sprout sponsor of Food for Hope

Thank you to Caesars Entertainment for supporting Food for Hope as a Sprout Sponsor in our Corporate Sponsorship Program. Your generosity helps us continue providing hope and nourishment to students and families throughout our community.

We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to working together and volunteering alongside your team soon!

Does your company want to learn more about our Corporate Partnership Program?

Email: Darcie@foodforhope.net or check out our website for the details.

Community Connections

Picture of two CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital employees helping at Food for Hope with over 125lbs of donations of food this past month.

These connections helped support Food for Hope with food donations this past month: 

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church: Monthly Food Drive 80lbs

Malibu Jacks-Thornton: Cereal Drive 114lbs (300 boxes) 

Calvary Bible Church: 986lbs

Northglenn-Thornton Rotary Club: 605lbs

NOCO Women's Chamber of Commerce: Coffee/Tea

Girl Scout Group #68279: 23.5lbs of Cookies! 

Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School: 68lbs

St. Anthony's North Hospital: 125lbs 

Explore Eagles - Mapleton Public Schools: $260 Virtual Food Drive 

Even though summer is a slower season for Food for Hope, food drives are still incredibly important as we prepare for the new school year and continue stocking the pantries that remain open throughout the summer.

Reach out to host a fun summer-themed food drive with your group or business and help us keep nourishing our community all season long. We’ll provide ideas, flyers, and collection bins to make it easy!

Email Tiffany@foodforhope.net for next steps! 

What’s Happening at Food for Hope?

Snooze event with Food for Hope on Friday May 29th.

Friday May 29, 6:30am-2:30pm - Snooze Eatery

Come celebrate the 6th Birthday at Snooze in Westminster (Orchard Town Center)! 10% of all purchased food will support Food for Hop

Parry’s pizza in Northglenn event on June 18 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with Food for Hope.

Thursday, June 18: All Day - Perry's Pizza (Northglenn)

Grab a delicious hot lunch or dinner at Parry's Pizza in Northglenn, CO ALL DAY on Thursday, June 18 and your food and drink purchase will support Food for Hope! PLEASE MENTION FOOD FOR HOPE! 

Looking Forward Into the Summer: 

Saturday, June 20: 7am-9:30am

Unicorn Runner - 3W Races, Sign up and Support Food for Hope! 

Sign up to Run Here

Saturday, June 20: 4pm-8pm

Summer Solstice at The Orchard Town Center. Come out for a fun evening of live music, outdoor marketplace, Sips & Vibes Patio, Lawn Games, Pollinator Station and don't forget to visit the Father's Day Craft Table to support Food for Hope!

Learn More Here!  

Saturday, July 11: 8am-4pm

Mudapalooza Volleyball - Northglenn, CO 

Your adult beverage purchases support Food for Hope! 

More Info Here

Would You Help Share Our Story?

Food for Hope logo.

This summer, as Food for Hope continues to grow and thrive, you can help extend our impact. Sharing is a powerful way to support Food for Hope, and we need community partners like you to help us. Share the word with the company you work with and ask, "do you partner with local nonprofits in the community"?

By sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers, you are helping our story reach new places and new people. It only takes a moment, but it can open the door to new supporters, new partnerships, and fresh possibilities. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community one shared connection at a time.

Food for Hope Social Media: @FoodforHopeCO

Take a look at how Food for Hope is Rooted in Hope!

What does it mean to be Rooted in Hope?

Our new video shares the heart behind Food for Hope and how we show up for families every day through our programs, partnerships, and in-school food banks. From students to parents to our incredible community partners, this is what it looks like when we come together to make sure no one goes without.

Watch, learn, and see the impact you’re helping create.

Rooted in Hope Video Link

April Newsletter 2026 - Seeds of Hope

During the month of April, Food for Hope had the opportunity to celebrate with our community! At our Rooted in Hopeevent, we honored all the ways our various partners help move our mission forward. It was an inspiring and fun night! If you weren't able to attend, then I encourage you to watch the video linked below. This 5-minute compilation reflects Food for Hope’s positive impact on the community and why it is important for our work to continue.

As we finish out what has been an incredibly challenging school year, I am immensely proud of my staff. They have worked tirelessly to ensure every school receives thoughtful and comprehensive food support for students in need. In fact, this month on our blog, you get a sneak peek behind the scenes in the warehouse and what goes into sourcing thousands of pounds of food each week. Check it out at the link below! And then join me in commending the work of our Operations Team as they manage the details of 'Loads & Outs' like pros.

Thank you for your continued support of our important mission. Your investment is bringing hope now and building community leaders for the future.

 Warmly, 

Emily Stromquist, Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Read April Blog

Rooted in Hope: Thank You!

Executive Director, Emily Stromquist, with Pathways Future Center students Skylar Stewardson & Jamie Rodriguez and host, Mix100's Katy Mitchel. 

Thank you to everyone who came to the Rooted in Hope dinner event last week! Highlights included: gorgeous handmade flower bouquets from our flower cart, silent auction treasures, heartfelt speeches from two local high school students, and a video presentation showing how our community sees the impact of Food for Hope. Skylar Stewardson, a student from Pathways Future Center, eloquently summed it up. She said, "When you’re a student, your ability to focus, to learn, to grow—it all depends on whether or not your basic needs are met. It’s hard to think about your future when you’re worried about something as simple as your next meal. It is hard to succeed when your body and your mind are running on empty. It’s hard to admit when you’re struggling. That’s why Food for Hope matters so much." 

If you weren't able to join us, then we encourage you to watch the video linked below! 

Watch the Event Video 

Thank you again to our sponsors!

PLATINUM: Deltech Furnaces

GOLD: 
Onward Energy
City of Northglenn
City of Westminster
27J Schools
Adams 12 Five Star Schools

SILVER: 
City of Thornton
Mapleton Schools
Modern Woodmen of America

2026 Schmitz Service Awards

Each year we honor volunteers who exemplify the mission of Food for Hope in their dedicated work to our community by awarding the ‘Schmitz Service Award’. This award was created in 2017 to honor the legacy of Dick ‘Papa’ Schmitz, one of the first volunteers when Food for Hope began. This year we presented this award to two different couples who have served Food for Hope in a sacrificial way.

Dave & Linda Sawyer (above left) have developed a deep connection to the Commerce City Adams 14 community, faithfully serving there multiple times each week. They walk alongside students and families as they shop, help unload trucks, and restock shelves. Throughout the week, Dave is often behind the scenes—helping with deliveries that reach families across all our school districts. Linda goes above and beyond to prepare recipes with pantry food items so that parents can “taste test” ideas for meals while they are shopping! Beyond their service, Dave and Linda are passionate advocates for Food for Hope. They share our mission in their church, in the community, and with everyone they meet. They don’t just meet needs—they build relationships, strengthen community, and inspire others to step in and serve.

Scott & Bonnie Varvir (above right) are an essential part of our truck team, helping deliver restocks to schools, transporting supplies to events, and picking up pallets from Food Bank of the Rockies. They also facilitate our bakery donation pick ups. One moment this winter captures who they are perfectly. On a snowy day, when we suddenly found ourselves short-handed, Scott called Bonnie—who was at home, catching up on laundry. Without hesitation, she traded her pajamas for warm clothes, hopped in the truck, and together they made sure a food pantry was stocked and ready for families the following week. That’s who they are. Consistent. Flexible. Generous. And deeply committed to serving this community. Their willingness to say “yes”—no matter the circumstance—makes a tangible difference in the lives of so many families.

Congratulations! We are tremendously thankful for all of you.

 Support Food for Hope Here

Corporate Sponsor Spotlight: Smurfit Westrock   

A big thank you to Smurfit Westrock for joining Food for Hope as one of the newest local businesses in our Corporate Giving Program at the Sprout Level! 

This past month, we had the opportunity to visit their sustainable, paper-based packaging facility. Their team rolled up their sleeves to pack 276snack bags, each including a fun toy they generously provided. It was inspiring to see their employees so engaged, eager to learn more about our mission, and excited to give back to their community.

Those thoughtfully packed snack bags have already made their way to local schools and into the hands of students who will truly enjoy them. We’re so grateful for your partnership and the impact you’re already making!

Does your company want learn more about our Corporate Partnership Program? Email: Darcie@foodforhope.net or check out our website for the details.

Community Connections

These connections helped support Food for Hope with food donations this past month: 

Chick-fil-A: 92 pounds
Lambertson Farms: 153 pounds
ThornCreek Church: 15 pounds
Silvercreek Elementary: 689 pounds - Breakfast Food Drive
Adolfson & Peterson Construction: 400 meal kits with recipes!

Reach out to set up a fun, summer-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community all season long. We’ll provide ideas, flyers, and collection bins!

Email Tiffany@foodforhope.net for next steps! 

What's Happening at Food for Hope? 

Tuesday, May 26 from 6pm-8pm -  Chicken N Pickle Thornton

Dining Night Out and Kick Off to Summer! Join us for a fun night out with Summer giveaways!  All food purchases will benefit Food for Hope. And who knows? Maybe some staff members will jump on the Pickle courts with you for a match! 

Would you help share our story?

This summer, as Food for Hope continues to grow and thrive, you can help extend our impact. Sharing is a powerful way to support Food for Hope, and we need community partners like you to help us. Share the word with the company you work with and ask, "do you partner with local nonprofits in the community"?

By sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers, you are helping our story reach new places and new people. It only takes a moment, but it can open the door to new supporters, new partnerships, and fresh possibilities. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community one shared connection at a time.

Food for Hope Social Media: @FoodforHopeCO

March 2026 Newsletter: Rooted in Hope

As we enter the season of new beginnings, I want to say thank you for your support of the mission of Food for Hope. We just completed our annual family survey. Reading the responses has been humbling, and the stories only solidify the importance of the services we are able to provide thanks to your support. I hope you will take time to view the results below.

This time of year is also an opportunity to connect with the community through our annual fundraising dinner, 'Rooted in Hope: Deep Roots, Bright Futures'. I am especially excited about this year's event! In partnership with the Hispanic Restaurant Association, we are presenting locally-sourced food through a carefully curated menu. We are presenting a video that reflects voices from all over Adams County about the impact of Food for Hope. And we are incorporating many interactive and fun activities that will reinforce our mission. If you haven't purchased your tickets or secured your sponsorship, then I encourage you to do that TODAY at the link below.

Thank you again for walking with us. We couldn't do our work without dedicated community partners like you.

 Warmly, 

Emily Stromquist, Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Rooted in Hope Tickets

Read March Blog

The results of Food for Hope's annual survey are in, and we were thrilled to receive more responses than ever before! Hearing from our community is an important aspect of our mission. Food for Hope seeks to serve students and families in a way that is informed by the reality of their needs. Our goal is to lend dignity to difficult situations, and create spaces where community members feel heard and welcomed. 

Some key results include:

99% of respondents said that Food for Hope programs have an overall positive effect on the health of the children in their family.

51% of respondents said that someone in their household would have to skip at least one meal each week if it weren't for the support of Food for Hope.

99% of respondents said that they can access food that is culturally relevant to their family and meets their health needs.

Over 100 families shared stories of their lives and how Food for Hope impacts their overall well-being. We have chosen just a few responses to share in this newsletter. 

A Look Back 

Food for Hope volunteers rallied around our efforts to quadruple food distribution in November 2025.

The SNAP suspension in late 2025 created uncertainty around food stamp benefits for millions of families. Community organizations like ours have continued to see the ripple effects. Across Adams County and the communities we serve, Food for Hope has seen an increase in demand for weekend food bags and supplemental food support. The reality is that when federal benefits fluctuate, food insecurity doesn’t disappear—it grows—making community-based programs more important than ever to ensure students and families have consistent access to nutritious food.

Thank you to our volunteers, community partners, and investors who helped us through the challenging season at the end of last year. Together we can make a positive impact in the lives of local children and give them hope for each day.

You're Invited!

 We’re getting excited, and we want to invite you to our upcoming event, Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience.This special evening celebrates community, connection, and impact. Enjoy a beautiful farm-to-table meal, meaningful storytelling, and hands-on experiences that show how hope grows when we come together.

Executive Director, Emily Stromquist & Mix100's Katy Mitchel will host our program! The silent auction is stacked with incredible packages you won't want to miss. And all of the night's events will support Food for Hope’s mission, creating a brighter future for the students and families we serve. All funds will help to support, sustain and grow our food programming in local Adams County Schools.   

Interested in supporting the event in an even bigger way? We’re currently seeking silent auction donations and event sponsors. If you’d like to get involved and use your business to help elevate our mission, please contact Darcie@foodforhope.net

Purchase Tickets Here 

Community Connections

Thank you for partnering with us in March: 

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church - 212 lbs 

Malibu Jack's Thornton - Cereal Box Drive

Chick-fil-A (3 locations) - Food Drive 

Lambertson Farms - Food Drive

Silver Creek Elementary - Cereal Box Drive

Reach out to Tiffany@foodforhope.net 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 until April 30: Donate a Box of Cereal to Malibu Jack's in Thornton and receive a free ride pass. Bring multiple boxes for extra ride passes!

May 26, 2026, 6pm-8pm: Let's KICK OFF Summer with some FUN at Chicken n Pickle! A percentage of food purchases will support Food for Hope.

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 are below — Follow Us & Share!

February 2026 Newsletter - Rooted in Love, Growing in Hope

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)

Food Bank of the Rockies - Ribbon Cutting

Happy Ribbon Cutting Food Bank of the Rockies! Food for Hope was chosen among 700 Hunger Relief Partners to attend and be interviewed at the Food Bank of the Rockies Ribbon Cutting. Food for Hope has been a Hunger Relief Partner for 11 years and we purchase 85% of all of our food from Food Bank of the Rockies. We are excited for their new 270,000 sq ft facility which allows for even more food choices for partners. We are grateful for this special invite and event!

Watch Food for Hope's Interview Here!

Thank You Butler Snow Foundation!

A heartfelt thank you to the Butler Snow Foundation for selecting Food for Hope as a 2025 grant recipient! We are honored to be recognized and supported by an organization that invests so deeply in the well-being of our communities.

This grant will help us continue expanding access to nutritious food for students and families who need it most. Thank you, Butler Snow Foundation, for believing in our mission and standing alongside us in this work!

Read more information here!

New Year, New Hope - January 2026 Newsletter

Dear Supporters,

As we begin a new year, I want to say thank you for the incredible support you showed Food for Hope during the holiday season. November and December were challenging months for our staff, but your generous donations and encouragement kept us going. We truly couldn’t do this work without you. In my January blog, I asked the Food for Hope staff why they stick around when it gets hard. Read it to see their inspiring answers!

In 2026, we are celebrating being Rooted in our community. We are honoring the local relationships we have built that help us expand our reach and sustain our organization into the future. At Food for Hope, we have always valued pursuing meaningful connections to the schools and families we serve. Our desire is to provide curated and extensive resources to all of our district partners. This commitment to intentionality and dignity is worth highlighting, so we hope you will help celebrate our mission throughout the year.

We have a lot of exciting events coming up! I especially hope you will join us at our annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 16th. This year it's called: Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. Tickets go on sale March 1st! Follow along, stay engaged, and be a part of Food for Hope's growth this year.

Happy New Year, friends—and thank you for being part of our community.

 Warmly, 

 Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Read January Blog

(Above: Students from one of our Adams 12 food pantries shopping with their family.)

Celebrating Impact

In 2025, Food for Hope distributed nearly 250,000 pounds of food, supporting more students and families than ever before. Each week, our food programs now serve almost 4,800 individuals, a powerful reminder of both the growing need and the growing impact of our work. As we continue to expand, we are incredibly thankful for our volunteers and community partners who walk alongside us—your time, generosity, and support make every meal and every moment of hope possible.

Business Sponsorships and Donations: Email Darcie@foodforhope.net 

Annual Spring Fundraiser!

 We’re excited to invite you to Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience, an 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. We can’t wait to gather with you and grow hope—together.

Tickets Available 3/1/26

Community Connections

As we welcome the New Year, we’re incredibly thankful for the End-of-Year food drives that helped stock our shelves and support families in need.

Since the beginning of the year is a little quieter for food donations, now is a great time to get involved! Reach out to set up a fun, Spring-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community.

From December - 

Stellar Elementary: 147 lbs

Riverdale Elementary: 483 lbs

Explore K-8: Food Donations 286 lbs 

From January-

HOA Company: Meal Kits 548 lbs 

CO Gear Restore: Food Donations 46 lbs

North Metro Church: Food Donations 527 lbs

Sola Salon: 124 lbs

Buffalo Run Golf Course - Bison Grill: 34 lbs and $100 Donation

What's Happening at Food for Hope? 

Dutch Bros Locations: Brighton on Main, 136th and Huron, 120th and Irma, Hwy 7

2/17/26 
Enjoy a Bowl or Warm Soup in a beautiful handmade bowl, all prepared by RRHS Students supporting Food for Hope! 

 BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE! 

Tickets available 3/1/26 - Sponsorships NOW Available: Darcie@foodforhope.net

Would you help share our story?

As Food for Hope continues to grow, sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, or coworkers, you help amplify our story and extend our impact. It takes less than a minute, but it helps open doors to new support, new partners, and new possibilities. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one shared connection at a time. Links are below - Follow Us & Share! 

@FoodforHopeCO

Final Newsletter for 2025: December 202

 Happy Holidays from Food for Hope!

December has been a busy month here at Food for Hope. Our team has made an extra effort to ensure families can source as much food as possible before the holidays, including some extras that lend dignity and joy to their celebrations. We received a lot of amazing food donations this month, so our staff worked tirelessly to distribute as much of them as possible before the school break. We also had one of our incredible partners - Murphy Company - pack 170 holiday baking kits. These boxes give families the ingredients to prepare goodies at home together during the holiday season! We hope the shelves are full for the families and children we serve, so that the year wraps up on a positive and encouraging note.

Thank you for helping make these efforts possible. If there is anything that the last couple months have shown me, it's that we need each other. And we can make an impact by coming together to serve our community well. In this month's blog, I share the story of a mom who stopped by our hub. It's an important reminder to notice those that life puts in our path. Even if you can't do much to help someone, you can always lend a listening ear.

As we wind down for the holiday break, I am taking a moment to reflect on what has been a momentous year at Food for Hope. (Check out some highlights below!) Sending you all best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!

 Warmly, 

Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Read December Blog

2025 Highlights

*We opened our first food pantry serving Mapleton Schools!  The Wolverine Den is now incorporating fresh food, and we served over 100 individuals there last week! 

*At our Birthday Bash in May, Food for Hope celebrated 10 years serving Adams County. Thank you for those who joined us for the party - enjoying food trucks, games, and live music.

*In 2025, we distributed 250,000 pounds of food through all of our various programs. Almost half of that food was given out during the last three months of the year!

*Food for Hope played a key role in responding to the hunger gap left by the suspension of SNAP benefits for thousands of families in Adams County.  During only three weeks, community partners and volunteers helped us distribute 4,830 extra food bags and 1,000 grocery gift cards to affected families.

Help us end the year with a BANG! 

As 2025 comes to a close, your support for Food for Hope can make a real difference in our community. Local students and families are counting on us—and on you—to ensure no one goes hungry. Your gift helps provide nutritious meals, food programming, and hope to those who need it most. Join us in ending the year with impact, and celebrate 2025 by partnering with Food for Hope to lift up our neighbors in need.

2025 Year-End Gift! 

Community Connections

As we close out 2025, we’re feeling incredibly grateful. December brought so much goodness, lifting our spirits and brightening the end of our holiday season. Here are just a few of the amazing community partners who helped make this month shine:

***DUTCH BROS: 15 Local Stores supported Food for Hope for 1 Saturday in November donating more than $16,000***

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 236lbs

Calvary Bible Church: 1,324lbs 

Thunder Vista P-8 School: 1,584lbs

Community Reach Center: 2,032lbs 

ICryo: 55lbs

Advanced Space: 134lbs

CMTA: 108lbs

Pinnacle Charter School Club: 834lbs

Uptown Community Health: 357lbs 

Community Pet Hospital: 230lbs

MYR: 225lbs

Rocksol: 250lbs

Karter School: 238lbs

Little Monkey Business: 37lbs

Fieldhouse Apartments: 50lbs

Winterfest 5k with 3W Races: 116lbs 

North Metro Church 'Big Give': 322lbs 

Trailside Neighborhood Assn: 236lbs

Girl Scout Troop: 62

Village Calvary Church: 58lbs

Intrepid Bodyworks: 80lbs

***More Last Minute Drives Coming In! Thank YOU!

Food drives are important all year long, not only during the holidays! 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. 

Have you seen our Food for Hope MERCH STORE?  

Start the New Year with gear that gives back! Our Online Merchandise Store is packed with beautifully — and locally — designed apparel, now including kids’ sizes in fun, vibrant colors.

Every purchase helps feed local students and families in need, spreading Hope well beyond the holiday season.

Food for Hope Store 

Food for Hope Events!

12/16/25 thru 12/31/25:

Chicken n Pickle CUP Campaign Thornton, CO

$.25 from each cup purchased goes back to Food for Hope!

Take your Family & Friends for some Holiday Fun!  

2/17/2026:

Support Food for Hope at this NEW Event with 27J Riverdale High School! 

Purchase a beautiful hand-made bowl and receive a warm dinner all while supporting local students! 

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

Would you help share our story?

Would you help share our story?

Your voice matters more than ever! As we step into the New Year, Food for Hope continues to face a growing waitlist of schools requesting our programs — which means too many children are still missing out on essential nutrition.

Because you share, Food for Hope has grown even more in 2025 — and we are so grateful. Please keep sharing!

You can help us continue expanding our impact simply by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. It takes less than a minute, and every share helps strengthen our work. Check out our social links: @FoodforHopeCO

Well Magazine - Dec. 2025

Food for Hope is excited to share the Winter and Spring 25-26 release of Well Magazine. You can read the Food for Hope article on page 18!