GPHC Command Central: To Your Health
People Are Hungry. Here’s How You Can Help
By Lori Midson
Executive Director, GPHC, Inc.
In early January when we reopened our office after a much-needed winter break, our no-cost emergency food pantry welcomed dozens of new families, including an unprecedented number of migrants. Not even a month into the new year, and our food panty is already experiencing a jarring uptick in pantry visits.
In one recent study by Clever Real Estate, 39 percent of 1,000 adults surveyed reported skipping meals just to stay afloat. People are being forced to decide between paying the mortgage or rent or putting food on the table. Food prices are expected to continue increasing in 2024, and waning SNAP benefits — formerly known as food stamps — have created a hunger cliff for more than 550,000 Colorado residents.
Our food pantry has grown by leaps and bounds, both in the foods that we offer and the number of people we serve. We don’t do pre-made boxes. Instead, we have a client-choice pantry, which allows families, with the guidance of volunteers, to shop from our shelves and pantry table. And on Mondays and Wednesdays — our pantry days — that table is full of nourishing vegetables, fruits, herbs and proteins, including eggs and meat. We also offer dried spices, rubs and seasonings, which fuel creativity and contribute to good health. Our pantry is enriched with culturally relevant foods, too, not to mention dietary-specific foods.
It’s because of our incredibly generous community, as well as food donations from the Food Bank of the Rockies, that we’re able keep our pantry stocked and feed thousands of folks every year. As the year progresses and more in-need families require assistance, please continue to support our food pantry with your monetary and in-kind donations. If your business is interested in hosting a food drive on our behalf, we’d be grateful. Please send an email to director@greaterparkhill.org for more information.
Thank you, as always, to all our donors and volunteers for your kindness, in-kind and financial contributions, involvement and dedication to Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
Food Pantry Needs
We accept donations at our office, at 2823 Fairfax St., between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. If you’d like to schedule a donation outside of our office hours, email director@greaterparkhill.org or call 303-388-0918. Check our website for updates: greaterparkhill.org/food-programs/emergency-food-pantry/
If you’re at the grocery store, please consider donating a few items from the list below.
• Canned fish, chicken and Spam
• Canned chili, hearty soups and stews, pasta sauce
• Canned refried, pinto, navy and kidney beans
• Canned pineapple, oranges and peaches
• Salt, pepper and jarred spices
• Pasta and rice dinners
• Instant coffee packets
• Tomato paste and sauce
• Canola and vegetable oil
• Cereal, pancake, corn bread and biscuit mixes
• Milk, butter, cheese, eggs
• Apples, oranges and bananas
• TP, tissue, paper towels
• Travel-size toiletries
• Gloves and socks
• Reusable shopping bags
Please be mindful of food expiration dates. Out of respect for our pantry families, we will not accept expired food items. Please do not leave donations outside our office door.