As families prepare for the coming months and holidays, those who rely on SNAP assistance are facing unique challenges as the benefits have been halted until further notice due to the government shutdown. In early October recipients began receiving text notifications that their November benefits would not be disbursed until an agreement was met to open the government again.

Communities across the nation are rallying together to support those in need, and Pueblo is no exception. Below you can find a list of some local organizations, offices, businesses and more who are offering varying forms of assistance for access to food. Pay extra close attention to the links for the Pueblo Food Project and Care and Share as each of those organizations provide even more comprehensive lists of food pantries and places serving meals.

To find additional support, you may also visit 211 Colorado (or call 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489) or findhelp.org. You can also get state updates on the matter from CDHS and more local updates from United Way and the Pueblo Food Project.

Campus Resources at CSU Pueblo

• Pack Pantry
  • Located in the Occhiato Student Center (OSC), Room 104 at The Center for Student Support and Advocacy. They are open Monday to Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Pack CARES
  • Student support service assisting and connecting those in need with resources for mental health, financial troubles, and behavioral concerns for themselves or others. It is located at the Occhiato Student Center in Room 201, The Center for Student Support and Advocacy. They are open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Basic Needs Requests
  • A request for immediate assistance financially for students with pressing matters, covering costs for housing, food, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses. Students must be in communications with a Student Affairs staff member and submit an application to receive funds for immediate vital needs.

Community Food Access

• Care and Share for Southern Colorado
  • Further searchable by zip code, Care and Share has compiled a list of 15 food pantry locations around Pueblo. All addresses and hours of operation can be found in the link above.
• Helping Hands Pueblo Community Coalition: 1008 Minnequa Ave. Suite 148/156
  • Located at the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center at St. Mary Corwin Hospital and is open to the public on the first Wednesday of every month starting at 10 a.m. Free food and connections to free and low-cost care are on-site, along with resources to help people navigate Medicare, optometry, dental, health care and more. 
• Pueblo County Department of Human Services: 2631 E. 4th Street
  • Through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Pueblo County Department of Human Services offers assistance for anyone who already participates in public assistance programs like SNAP or who meets their income-based requirements. Text key word “FOOD” to 1-877-644-3663 to apply or schedule pickup. All other details can be found on their website. 
• Pueblo Food Project: Food for Thought Resource Guide
  • The Pueblo Food Project has created a document (linked above) with a list of free food pantries, business specials, food drives, and more around Pueblo. The list details all addresses, hours, and services of the locations, including notes on specific groups who qualify for assistance when applicable. 

Businesses Lending a Helping Hand

• 1129 Spirits and Eatery: 115 E. Riverwalk
  • Offering free meals, no questions asked, every Wednesday of November from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, every Tuesday they offer a senior special for meals discounted to $8.50 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Chiquitos Food Truck
  • Discounts with proof of SNAP. Operating every Saturday and Sunday; check Facebook page for location and exact hours.

• Do Drop Inn: 1201 S. Santa Fe
  • Launched a pay-it-forward program for pizzas on Nov. 1. Also offering $15 discounted large cheese pizzas that they say can feed 4-6 adults for when pay-it-forward pizzas aren’t available.
• The Ethos Pueblo: 615 E. Mesa Ave.
  • Offering a pay what you can pricing model for weekly soup as well as a community tab where people can donate so others can order food and drink. 

• The Sacred Bean: 209 S. Union Ave.
  • Kids eat free in November. They are also offering a pay it forward option to be added to orders and accepting donations of food items. 
• Steel City Deli: 612 N. Main St.
  • Offering a $5 daily lunch special from which includes a sandwich and side. Available Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Mozo’s Great American Heroes: 1904 Lake Ave.
  • Offering a special discounted menu upon request as well as family meals. For the month of November, the family meal includes 4 sandwiches, sides, drinks and ice cream for $30. They are also offering biscuits and sausage gravy for $2 with the option to add an egg for $1. 

Know of any other resources that should be added to this list? Reach out to us with details at [email protected].