Even with a tight budget, Natasha “Tasha” Carter struggles to provide healthy meals for her family. She has three children, ages five to twenty, and they all have special needs. “Some days we have enough food, but it goes fast,” Carter explains. Fresh fruits and veggies don’t last long. When she can’t get enough food, she relies on free dinners from recreation centers and lunches at her kids’ school. “They aren’t big fans of school lunches, but it’s better than nothing,” she adds.
After multiple car accidents left her with a disability, money tightened further during the pandemic. Though her disability payments went up slightly at the end of 2020, it made her ineligible for government food assistance. “We meet the guidelines, but our application gets denied,” Carter says sadly.
Food insecurity has become a pressing issue lately, especially during the recent government shutdown that interrupted SNAP benefits for many. The USDA reports that around 47 million Americans lack enough food to meet basic needs. In Colorado alone, about 745,000 people face this crisis, including over 172,000 children.
Despite the challenges, many organizations in Colorado are tackling food insecurity head-on. For instance, Gelli’s Community Fridge, founded by Lisa Ridenour in honor of her late daughter, offers free access to food for those in need. Ridenour’s journey began after her daughter’s death in 2020, and now the fridge serves multiple locations, providing essential meals and advocating for mental health support for those in recovery. “Helping others through their struggles has given me purpose,” she states.
A recent study highlights the importance of community fridges. They not only feed those in need but also foster a sense of solidarity among donors and recipients. Ridenour shares that it costs around $1,500 monthly to keep a fridge stocked. Many local businesses, like Whole Foods and Rebel Bread, contribute to this effort. “It’s amazing how this creates a tight-knit community,” she says.
In schools, like Stedman Elementary in Park Hill, local leaders have also taken action. The Stedman Market offers free groceries to families, and the school has even created a community garden with the help of SustainEd Farms. “We see families relying on us. This gives them a bit of relief,” says family liaison Lindsay Hieb.
Another inspiring initiative is Kaizen Food Rescue, started by Thai Nguyen, a former refugee. This organization has redistributed over 17.5 million pounds of fresh food to the community since 2019. “We provide culturally relevant food that’s often missing from traditional food banks,” Nguyen explains. Her efforts emphasize inclusivity for immigrant communities, proving food access can bridge gaps in cultural understanding.
Patience Kabwasa, founder of Food to Power, is similarly dedicated. She grew up experiencing food insecurity but now leads efforts to improve access and promote food justice. “Food is a human right,” she asserts. Her organization runs an urban farm and has opened a neighborhood food center in Colorado Springs, serving over 35,000 people last year.
Together, these organizations exemplify a growing movement to combat food insecurity. They show that through community support, we can create lasting change—even amidst challenging times.
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activism,philanthropy & nonprofits
