More About Golden Pantry and Thrift

After yesterday's article about the current need for food assistance, I sent a few questions to my friend Chris Davell. In addition to being a frequent contributor to Golden Eye Candy, he also serves on the board at the Golden Pantry and Thrift. A good delegator, he referred the questions to Britni LeRoux, the Executive Director.

Are you seeing federal workers at the food pantry?
- We can assume yes, but we have not asked directly, and no one has chosen to identify as a furloughed worker. We've had about 6 new clients per day (Tues-Fri) as of last week, which could correlate.
I see you have an online application. How long would it take you to approve a new client?
- If they apply online, send proof of address in Golden 80401 or 80403 and custody (if applicable) is provided with the submission of the online application, clients are approved for usage within 24 hours and are able to come in the next time the pantry is open. If they do not send all documentation, they will be instructed to send or bring the proper documentation and approved for pantry usage thereafter. We do ask for ID, so they can attach their ID to the online application to be clients, or they can show it to us when they come in.
  
  If they apply in person and they have all the documentation required, they are approved on the spot and can get food immediately.
Once they are clients, do they just show up during pantry hours and show an ID?
- Once they are clients, they are able to select groceries once a week Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. If they are experiencing homelessness, they are allowed to come once a day. When they register with us, we give them clients cards, so they can show us those or their ID's when they come in for their pantry visit.

Other information:

Over the past year, we’ve seen a 60% increase in the number of clients we serve, and we expect those numbers to rise even more in the coming weeks as the SNAP funding cuts and holiday season converge. We’re preparing for longer lines, added pressure on our volunteers and supply chain, and an even greater need for creative partnerships and community support. Our goal will remain the same, to ensure no one in our community goes hungry, but the scale of that challenge has shifted considerably. As costs continue to rise and resources tighten, the need for our services grows. We’ll continue to meet every neighbor with compassion, dignity, and respect while working together to make sure no one is left without a meal.
There has been a 37% increase of food distributed to clients.
We have handed out over 210,000 lbs. of food through Sept.
For every meal we provide at the pantry, SNAP provides nine; so, when SNAP funding is cut, the strain on local food pantries skyrockets.
Each week, clients receive a selection of fresh produce, bakery items, canned goods, and essential pantry staples such as pasta, rice, broths, spices, beverages, and condiments. Distributions also include meat and plant-based proteins, eggs, and milk, ensuring access to a balanced and nutritious variety of foods. Clients can request any food item not on our order form to ensure we are prioritizing choice and dignity with everyone who walks through our doors.
In addition to the pantry and thrift store, we have 8 other assistance programs that help families and individuals in need (Crisis Fund, Golden Opportunity Scholarship, Holiday Programs, Golden Essentials, Resource Connections, Transportation Assistance, Project STAR, and School Supplies).

Ways people can help:

Donate money via goldenpantryandthrift.org/donate
Host a food drive
List of most needed food items:
www.goldenpantryandthrift.org/host-a-food-drive
Sign up to support Golden Pantry and Thrift through King Sooper’s Community Rewards
Volunteer