Food pantries across Colorado are navigating rising demand, federal funding disruptions, and persistent food supply challenges, according to a new report from Provecho Collective. Drawing on statewide data, Resilience, Innovation, & Dignity: Insights from Community Food Grant Reporting & Application Data 2024–2025 highlights both the strain on community food providers and how food pantries are adapting their operations to center community voice, cultural relevance, and dignity amid uncertainty.
“Despite ongoing federal upheaval, food pantries across Colorado are making choices that reflect a sector balancing short-term survival with long-term resilience,” shared Kasey Neiss, data and evaluation lead for Provecho Collective. “Their collective response not only shows the challenges facing the state’s food system today, but the innovative and community-driven solutions taking shape across the state.”
Key findings from the report include (also accessible via an infographic-style fact sheet):
- Six in 10 food pantries (60%) experienced increased demand before the federal government shutdown and benefit disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Among these pantries, demand rose by an average of 200 additional people per month, representing 137%of last year’s demand.
- More than four in five food pantries (82%) report impacts due to federal funding cuts or grant freezes, compounding financial uncertainty during a period of rising need.
- Among pantries that have experienced an increase in demand, 67% have been able to expand their budget to almost match this growth rate; however, 10 percent of all food pantries saw a drastic increase in demand while operating at 70% of their previous budget.
- Two-thirds of food pantries (66%) identify food supply challenges as their greatest concern, and the most common reason for limiting how often families can receive assistance.
- Protein remains the largest inventory gap. Meat, eggs, and dairy are among the most requested by community members, though rarely available through usual donation channels.
- Two in 10 food pantries (20%) observe measurable declines in participation, with many attributing the drop to fear of ICE visibility and community distress concerning raids.
- Three-quarters of food pantries (75%) are now asking community members about their needs or preferences, and many are intentionally stocking culturally significant foods, defined as providing nourishment beyond calories.
Read the full report, which includes additional data and quotes from food pantries across Colorado.
