With so many people currently not cashing paychecks due to coronavirus-related closures, the need for local food banks to provide safe, reliable sustenance to those in need is high. At the same time, grocery stores—a food bank’s primary source for safe, reliable supplies—currently have less to give since they are overwhelmed by residents stocking up. The issue is only expected to worsen as more people go without work and are homebound. But there is something that you can do to help. Here are five ways you can be a part of ensuring that everyone in our community is well fed.

The best way to help the Food Bank of the Rockies right now is by contributing money or time. Your financial donations help it buy food, keep the lights on, and hire staff as needed. As it lost some regular volunteers due to coronavirus risk, the organization is in need of more helpers. The food bank is also practicing social distancing at its facilities and looking at different models of food distribution, like drive-thrus, to protect volunteers, staff, and clients. Sign up to volunteer here.

Metro Caring is looking for healthy volunteers who can commit to three to four shifts per week in the interest of having fewer individuals working more shifts to prevent the virus’s spread. Besides the usual donations of money, food, and household items, it also needs reusable grocery bags, as well as safety and cleaning supplies like masks, hand sanitizer, and bleach to keep visiting families, workers, and volunteers safe and healthy.

The Weinberg Food Pantry as asking for non-perishable food items, toilet paper, diapers, and baby wipes. To see everything it needs and how you can help, visit the Jewish Family Service website.

Community Table feeds the hungry in Arvada, and the organization needs help as it gears up to feed those who may need their assistance for the first time because of COVID-19. Drop off non-perishable food and personal care items, or make a monetary donation; a $10 donation provides 30 meals for community members.

Covenant Cupboard Food Pantry needs healthy volunteers ages 13 and up to fill boxes, sort and distribute food, and clean. All of the volunteer work is done on Thursdays and Fridays and is designed with social distancing in mind. The group can always use donations of nonperishable food items and financial aid. Check out the pantry’s donation page for more information.

The newly formed Denver Metro Emergency Food Network delivers free, prepared meals to low-income families and senior citizens, with a goal of dropping off 10,000 meals around town this week alone. For optimal safety, no one has to leave their homes to receive food. A $25 donation delivers four meals to families and seniors in need.

Allyson Reedy
Allyson Reedy
Allyson Reedy is a freelance writer and ice cream fanatic living in Broomfield.