A Denver nonprofit, the Birdseed Collective, has been a lifeline for families in the Globeville neighborhood for 15 years. However, they recently learned that their contract to operate out of the Globeville Recreation Center won’t be renewed. This decision leaves them just two months to find a new location.
Carla Padilla, Co-Director of Birdseed Collective, expressed the shock and sadness of the community. “Most people are crying. They’re really upset,” she said. Kristina Garcia, another Co-Director, echoed these sentiments. “It’s upsetting. We don’t have a permanent place during a time when the community is in need,” she added.
Their application for renewal was denied because the city has plans for another organization. Garcia criticized this decision, stating, “They wanted to bring new things to this neighborhood, but not necessarily things that are going to benefit the community.”
The timing of this decision is particularly concerning. With the ongoing federal government shutdown, food assistance needs are expected to rise. Residents see the recreation center as more than a food distribution site; it serves as a cultural hub and safe space. Angela Garcia, a local resident, stated, “It truly is a community, and that’s being taken away from us.”
Former City Councilmember Candi CdeBaca commented on the lack of community input in the decision-making process. “This is a public asset; there should have been a public call for proposals based on community wants,” she said.
To add more context, a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that food insecurity affects approximately 10.5% of households in the United States. This number has only grown during times of economic stress, such as the current government shutdown.
On social media, local residents have been sharing their concerns, using hashtags like #SaveBirdseedCollective, calling for support and alternative solutions for food distribution in their neighborhood. The absence of the Birdseed Collective might leave a significant gap, especially when many community members rely on it for groceries.
Birdseed Collective is committed to continuing its mission while searching for a new home. The community’s reactions show just how vital this organization is to Globeville’s fabric.
For more information about food assistance programs, you can visit USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
