Denver Announces the Emergency Food Relief Fund: Applications Open Now

Funds from the Federal CARES Act become available for nonprofit organizations providing groceries and meals to Denver residents in need of food as a result of COVID-19.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     July 2, 2020

DENVER – The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) announced today the creation of a rapid response grant program to provide meals and groceries to Denver residents affected by COVID-19. The Denver Emergency Food Relief Fund will assist nonprofit organizations, including food pantries, faith-based organizations, and emergency food providers, in distributing food to seniors, those with disabilities, people with underlying health conditions and families or households where a member has contracted the COVID-19 virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread impacts on Denver’s food security. Emergency food providers and pantries have seen anywhere from double to 10 times the demand of families accessing their services. Food insecurity has surged above the pre-crisis rate of 11 percent and is estimated at approximately a quarter of the city’s population. Communities of color have been some of the hardest hit as a result of COVID-19, suffering disproportionate health impacts from both the virus and deepened poor access to healthy foods. The Denver Emergency Food Relief Fund will help nonprofit organizations provide food to Denver residents who are food insecure due to the COVID-19 virus. This new grant opportunity will help address these needs and expand critical emergency meal and grocery programs for residents affected by COVID-19. CARES Act funds also support expanding Denver Public Schools programs for adult meals, as well as summer breakfasts, lunches and snacks at Denver Recreation Centers and Parks as part of the Office of Children’s Affairs’ Tasty Food program.

“The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the already deep need for access to healthy food in Denver. DDPHE is committed to supporting the basic needs of our vulnerable communities through this rapid response grant fund, as well our ongoing programs to implement the Denver Food Vision,” said Denver Department of Public Health & Environment Executive Director Bob McDonald.

The grants will aid organizations serving communities in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods with higher rates of food insecurity, including: Elyria- Swansea, Globeville, Northeast Park Hill, East Colfax, West Colfax, Montbello, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, Westwood, College View South, Lincoln Park, Barnum, Athmar Park and Goldsmith. Funds will also aid nonprofit organizations that provide food to vulnerable populations including under-resourced or historically marginalized groups such as communities of color, people experiencing poverty or homelessness, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ and veterans.

Denver’s Department of Public Health & Environment is committed to serving under-resourced communities and Denver residents affected by the COVID-19 virus. Denver welcomes opportunities to collaborate with nonprofit organizations providing groceries and meals to those who are hungry in our city.

For more information about the grant and how to apply, visit https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/our-divisions/community-and-behavioral-health/food-system-policies/nonprofit-emergency-food-relief-fund.html 

Grants will be open for application beginning July 2, 2020 and are expected to close on July 15, 2020 at 5pm MT.

Apply Here