JFK HOSA is currently hosting a canned/non-perishable food drive through Friday, Nov 21st. If you have anything you would like to donate, please bring that in and let me know. I will have a HOSA student come by your room and pick it up. All food items will be donated to Community Ministries, a local food bank within our southwest Denver community. As you can probably surmise - the need is great within our community. Last year, we were able to contribute over 225 lbs of food to Community Ministries and we are hoping to surpass that this year.
We understand this is an extremely difficult time for everyone. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be disbursed, impacting more than 100,000 Denver residents, half of whom are children. Now more than ever, it is critical that we come together to support one another and ensure our children don’t go hungry.
Access or Donate to Local Food Resources
As a reminder, our school meals at DPS will not be impacted. School breakfast and lunches will continue as normal and remain free to families.
JFK offers K-Mart, a place where students who need additional assistance can find a range of essentials. If you have any donations to offer for our community, please contact Dre Calloway at dre_calloway@dpsk12.net.
If you need support securing food…
City and County of Denver: Visit their website to find food assistance across the city.
Tasty Food Program: Afterschool meals for children will be offered at Denver recreation centers. Visit the Tasty Food website for locations and hours of operation.
Food Bank of the Rockies: Find a food pantry near you using their Pantry Locator tool.
Colorado 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across Colorado. Call 2-1-1, 866-760-6489 or visit 211colorado.org. Note: The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, expect long wait times. To avoid waiting, use the call-back feature.
Feeding Colorado: The collaborative effort of the 5 Feeding America food banks that serve Colorado and Wyoming to coordinate and enhance food resources, ensuring food insecure Coloradans have access to healthy, fresh foods. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org.
Hunger Free Colorado: Connects Colorado families and individuals to SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, free meal sites, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other nutrition programs geared toward families, children and older adults. Call 855-855-4626 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The City and County of Denver’s Department of Human Services (DHS) will continue processing SNAP applications and renewals to make sure benefits are processed in a timely fashion as soon as the government shutdown ends. SNAP beneficiaries will receive SNAP benefits retroactively once the government reopens. DHS strongly encourages families to continue submitting SNAP paperwork in the meantime.
If you would like to support local efforts…
Denver Public Schools Foundation: Support the DPS community by donating to the DPS Foundation Food Security Fund.
City and County of Denver: Visit their website to learn more about donating food, money and/or time.
Denver Recreation Center Drop-off Locations: Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Denver rec center. Visit the City and County of Denver website to learn more.
Denver Animal Shelter: Donate pet food to the Denver Animal Shelter located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. or through their Amazon wishlist.
10 Ways to Support Your Community Now:This slide deck from the City and County of Denver provides resources, suggestions and ideas on how to take immediate action in your community.
