March 2026 Newsletter: Rooted in Hope

As we enter the season of new beginnings, I want to say thank you for your support of the mission of Food for Hope. We just completed our annual family survey. Reading the responses has been humbling, and the stories only solidify the importance of the services we are able to provide thanks to your support. I hope you will take time to view the results below.

This time of year is also an opportunity to connect with the community through our annual fundraising dinner, 'Rooted in Hope: Deep Roots, Bright Futures'. I am especially excited about this year's event! In partnership with the Hispanic Restaurant Association, we are presenting locally-sourced food through a carefully curated menu. We are presenting a video that reflects voices from all over Adams County about the impact of Food for Hope. And we are incorporating many interactive and fun activities that will reinforce our mission. If you haven't purchased your tickets or secured your sponsorship, then I encourage you to do that TODAY at the link below.

Thank you again for walking with us. We couldn't do our work without dedicated community partners like you.

 Warmly, 

Emily Stromquist, Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Rooted in Hope Tickets

Read March Blog

The results of Food for Hope's annual survey are in, and we were thrilled to receive more responses than ever before! Hearing from our community is an important aspect of our mission. Food for Hope seeks to serve students and families in a way that is informed by the reality of their needs. Our goal is to lend dignity to difficult situations, and create spaces where community members feel heard and welcomed. 

Some key results include:

99% of respondents said that Food for Hope programs have an overall positive effect on the health of the children in their family.

51% of respondents said that someone in their household would have to skip at least one meal each week if it weren't for the support of Food for Hope.

99% of respondents said that they can access food that is culturally relevant to their family and meets their health needs.

Over 100 families shared stories of their lives and how Food for Hope impacts their overall well-being. We have chosen just a few responses to share in this newsletter. 

A Look Back 

Food for Hope volunteers rallied around our efforts to quadruple food distribution in November 2025.

The SNAP suspension in late 2025 created uncertainty around food stamp benefits for millions of families. Community organizations like ours have continued to see the ripple effects. Across Adams County and the communities we serve, Food for Hope has seen an increase in demand for weekend food bags and supplemental food support. The reality is that when federal benefits fluctuate, food insecurity doesn’t disappear—it grows—making community-based programs more important than ever to ensure students and families have consistent access to nutritious food.

Thank you to our volunteers, community partners, and investors who helped us through the challenging season at the end of last year. Together we can make a positive impact in the lives of local children and give them hope for each day.

You're Invited!

 We’re getting excited, and we want to invite you to our upcoming event, Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience.This special evening celebrates community, connection, and impact. Enjoy a beautiful farm-to-table meal, meaningful storytelling, and hands-on experiences that show how hope grows when we come together.

Executive Director, Emily Stromquist & Mix100's Katy Mitchel will host our program! The silent auction is stacked with incredible packages you won't want to miss. And all of the night's events will support Food for Hope’s mission, creating a brighter future for the students and families we serve. All funds will help to support, sustain and grow our food programming in local Adams County Schools.   

Interested in supporting the event in an even bigger way? We’re currently seeking silent auction donations and event sponsors. If you’d like to get involved and use your business to help elevate our mission, please contact Darcie@foodforhope.net

Purchase Tickets Here 

Community Connections

Thank you for partnering with us in March: 

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church - 212 lbs 

Malibu Jack's Thornton - Cereal Box Drive

Chick-fil-A (3 locations) - Food Drive 

Lambertson Farms - Food Drive

Silver Creek Elementary - Cereal Box Drive

Reach out to Tiffany@foodforhope.net to set up a fun, Spring-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community. We can provide ideas, flyers, collection bins and pick up your donations!

What's Happening at Food for Hope? 

Now until April 30: Donate a Box of Cereal to Malibu Jack's in Thornton and receive a free ride pass. Bring multiple boxes for extra ride passes!

May 26, 2026, 6pm-8pm: Let's KICK OFF Summer with some FUN at Chicken n Pickle! A percentage of food purchases will support Food for Hope.

Would you help share our story?

As Food for Hope blossoms this spring, you can help our impact grow right alongside it. By sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers, you’re helping our story take root in new places.

It only takes a moment, but it can open the door to new supporters, new partnerships, and fresh possibilities. Together, we’re cultivating a stronger, more compassionate community—one shared connection at a time.

Links are below — Follow Us & Share!

February 2026 Newsletter - Rooted in Love, Growing in Hope

In 2026, Food for Hope is celebrating being Rooted in our community. We are honoring the local relationships that help us expand our reach and sustain our mission. At Food for Hope, our goal is to provide thoughtful, curated, and comprehensive resources to all of our school district partners. This commitment to intentionality and dignity is something we are proud of—and we hope you’ll celebrate it with us throughout the year. The February Blog explains how we started 11 years ago and how we are becoming more Rooted as we grow! 

During the month of February, we are inviting families who visit our food pantries to complete Food for Hope's annual survey to help us better understand and support their needs. As I read the responses coming in, I am more determined than ever to serve our community well. One mom shared that she regularly skips dinner so that her children can eat. Another parent explained that their family used to go without food, but thanks to our pantry at their school, they now get to eat delicious things like spaghetti! With your continued support, we can reach more families with hope and a warm meal. Stay tuned—we look forward to sharing more of what we learn through these surveys!

And finally, I would like to invite you to join us for our annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 16: Rooted in Hope–Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. Tickets are on sale now, and you can buy before March 15th to get the early-bird discount! Follow along, stay engaged, and be part of Food for Hope’s continued growth this year.

Sincerely,

Emily Stromquist - Executive Director - Food for Hope

Hunger Hides

Hunger hides in our community more than most people realize. In Adams County, Colorado, 1 in 7 children faces food insecurity — meaning they don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. That uncertainty is a burden no child should have to bear.

Through school-based programs, Food for Hope supports nearly 2,470 individuals across 40 local schools each week, ensuring kids and families have access to consistent, nutritious food. Because hunger doesn’t always look like an empty plate — sometimes it looks like a smiling child who just needs a little extra support.

Together, we can make sure hunger doesn’t get the last word in Adams County.

Special Thanks to Local Dutch Bros and Riverdale Ridge High School for these Amazing Events!

A huge thank you to Dutch Bros for spreading the love on Dutch Luv Day and raising over $3,000 to support students and families experiencing food insecurity in Adams County Schools. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of local kids, helping ensure they have consistent access to food through Food for Hope’s in-school programs. We are so grateful for your partnership and heart for our community!

We also want to extend our appreciation to Riverdale Ridge High School for hosting an incredible Empty Bowls event. Beautifully curated by the DECA program, the ProStart Restaurant Careers CTE Pathway Program, and the Visual Art Program–Ceramic Arts, the evening showcased student talent while raising critical funds for Food for Hope’s school-based food programming. While final numbers are still coming in, we already know the event was a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who made the night so meaningful and impactful!

You’re Invited!

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming event:  Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. You don't want to miss this evening designed to celebrate community, connection, and impact. Join us for a beautiful farm-to-table meal, meaningful storytelling, and hands-on experiences that highlight how hope grows when we come together. This special event supports Food for Hope’s mission and plants seeds for a brighter future for the students and families we serve. Tickets are available now! Get yours before March 15th to secure the early-bird discount.

Additionally, if you are interested in donating to our silent auction or sponsoring the event then please email Darcie@foodforhope.net. Use your business to elevate our mission!

Community Connections

 We felt the love from our community during the month of February!

Dutch Brothers - 'Share the Love' Day: $3,100
Bison Grill @ Buffalo Run: 45 pounds of food 
Prairie Hills Elementary School: 175 pounds of food
Explore PreK - 8: 8 Birthday Bags
St. Anthony North: 50 pounds of food
Good Shepherd UMC: 175 pounds of food & 'Souper Bowl' of Caring
NOCO Women's Chamber: Coffee Donations

Reach out to set up a fun, Spring-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community. We can provide ideas, flyers, collection bins and pick up your donations!

What's Happening at Food for Hope?

*Now through March 31, 2026 - You can donate your favorite cereal to Food for Hope at Malibu Jacks in Thornton, CO! Each donation will receive Free Ride Passes. 

*March 1-March 31 Your Food Donations can be dropped by Chick-fil-A and you will receive a Free Food Menu Item Card! (Participate at any of the locations listed above)

Would you help share our story?

As Food for Hope blossoms this spring, you can help our impact grow right alongside it. By sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers, you’re helping our story take root in new places.

It only takes a moment, but it can open the door to new supporters, new partnerships, and fresh possibilities. Together, we’re cultivating a stronger, more compassionate community—one shared connection at a time.

Links: @FoodforHopeCO (Facebook, Instagram, Linked In)

Food Bank of the Rockies - Ribbon Cutting

Happy Ribbon Cutting Food Bank of the Rockies! Food for Hope was chosen among 700 Hunger Relief Partners to attend and be interviewed at the Food Bank of the Rockies Ribbon Cutting. Food for Hope has been a Hunger Relief Partner for 11 years and we purchase 85% of all of our food from Food Bank of the Rockies. We are excited for their new 270,000 sq ft facility which allows for even more food choices for partners. We are grateful for this special invite and event!

Watch Food for Hope's Interview Here!

Thank You Butler Snow Foundation!

A heartfelt thank you to the Butler Snow Foundation for selecting Food for Hope as a 2025 grant recipient! We are honored to be recognized and supported by an organization that invests so deeply in the well-being of our communities.

This grant will help us continue expanding access to nutritious food for students and families who need it most. Thank you, Butler Snow Foundation, for believing in our mission and standing alongside us in this work!

Read more information here!

New Year, New Hope - January 2026 Newsletter

Dear Supporters,

As we begin a new year, I want to say thank you for the incredible support you showed Food for Hope during the holiday season. November and December were challenging months for our staff, but your generous donations and encouragement kept us going. We truly couldn’t do this work without you. In my January blog, I asked the Food for Hope staff why they stick around when it gets hard. Read it to see their inspiring answers!

In 2026, we are celebrating being Rooted in our community. We are honoring the local relationships we have built that help us expand our reach and sustain our organization into the future. At Food for Hope, we have always valued pursuing meaningful connections to the schools and families we serve. Our desire is to provide curated and extensive resources to all of our district partners. This commitment to intentionality and dignity is worth highlighting, so we hope you will help celebrate our mission throughout the year.

We have a lot of exciting events coming up! I especially hope you will join us at our annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 16th. This year it's called: Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience. Tickets go on sale March 1st! Follow along, stay engaged, and be a part of Food for Hope's growth this year.

Happy New Year, friends—and thank you for being part of our community.

 Warmly, 

 Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Read January Blog

(Above: Students from one of our Adams 12 food pantries shopping with their family.)

Celebrating Impact

In 2025, Food for Hope distributed nearly 250,000 pounds of food, supporting more students and families than ever before. Each week, our food programs now serve almost 4,800 individuals, a powerful reminder of both the growing need and the growing impact of our work. As we continue to expand, we are incredibly thankful for our volunteers and community partners who walk alongside us—your time, generosity, and support make every meal and every moment of hope possible.

Business Sponsorships and Donations: Email Darcie@foodforhope.net 

Annual Spring Fundraiser!

 We’re excited to invite you to Rooted in Hope – Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Farm to Table Experience, an evening designed to celebrate community, connection, and impact. Join us for a beautiful farm-to-table meal, meaningful storytelling, and hands-on experiences that highlight how hope grows when we come together. This special event supports Food for Hope’s mission and plants seeds for a brighter future for the students and families we serve. We can’t wait to gather with you and grow hope—together.

Tickets Available 3/1/26

Community Connections

As we welcome the New Year, we’re incredibly thankful for the End-of-Year food drives that helped stock our shelves and support families in need.

Since the beginning of the year is a little quieter for food donations, now is a great time to get involved! Reach out to set up a fun, Spring-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community.

From December - 

Stellar Elementary: 147 lbs

Riverdale Elementary: 483 lbs

Explore K-8: Food Donations 286 lbs 

From January-

HOA Company: Meal Kits 548 lbs 

CO Gear Restore: Food Donations 46 lbs

North Metro Church: Food Donations 527 lbs

Sola Salon: 124 lbs

Buffalo Run Golf Course - Bison Grill: 34 lbs and $100 Donation

What's Happening at Food for Hope? 

Dutch Bros Locations: Brighton on Main, 136th and Huron, 120th and Irma, Hwy 7

2/17/26 
Enjoy a Bowl or Warm Soup in a beautiful handmade bowl, all prepared by RRHS Students supporting Food for Hope! 

 BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE! 

Tickets available 3/1/26 - Sponsorships NOW Available: Darcie@foodforhope.net

Would you help share our story?

As Food for Hope continues to grow, sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, or coworkers, you help amplify our story and extend our impact. It takes less than a minute, but it helps open doors to new support, new partners, and new possibilities. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one shared connection at a time. Links are below - Follow Us & Share! 

@FoodforHopeCO

Final Newsletter for 2025: December 202

 Happy Holidays from Food for Hope!

December has been a busy month here at Food for Hope. Our team has made an extra effort to ensure families can source as much food as possible before the holidays, including some extras that lend dignity and joy to their celebrations. We received a lot of amazing food donations this month, so our staff worked tirelessly to distribute as much of them as possible before the school break. We also had one of our incredible partners - Murphy Company - pack 170 holiday baking kits. These boxes give families the ingredients to prepare goodies at home together during the holiday season! We hope the shelves are full for the families and children we serve, so that the year wraps up on a positive and encouraging note.

Thank you for helping make these efforts possible. If there is anything that the last couple months have shown me, it's that we need each other. And we can make an impact by coming together to serve our community well. In this month's blog, I share the story of a mom who stopped by our hub. It's an important reminder to notice those that life puts in our path. Even if you can't do much to help someone, you can always lend a listening ear.

As we wind down for the holiday break, I am taking a moment to reflect on what has been a momentous year at Food for Hope. (Check out some highlights below!) Sending you all best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!

 Warmly, 

Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Read December Blog

2025 Highlights

*We opened our first food pantry serving Mapleton Schools!  The Wolverine Den is now incorporating fresh food, and we served over 100 individuals there last week! 

*At our Birthday Bash in May, Food for Hope celebrated 10 years serving Adams County. Thank you for those who joined us for the party - enjoying food trucks, games, and live music.

*In 2025, we distributed 250,000 pounds of food through all of our various programs. Almost half of that food was given out during the last three months of the year!

*Food for Hope played a key role in responding to the hunger gap left by the suspension of SNAP benefits for thousands of families in Adams County.  During only three weeks, community partners and volunteers helped us distribute 4,830 extra food bags and 1,000 grocery gift cards to affected families.

Help us end the year with a BANG! 

As 2025 comes to a close, your support for Food for Hope can make a real difference in our community. Local students and families are counting on us—and on you—to ensure no one goes hungry. Your gift helps provide nutritious meals, food programming, and hope to those who need it most. Join us in ending the year with impact, and celebrate 2025 by partnering with Food for Hope to lift up our neighbors in need.

2025 Year-End Gift! 

Community Connections

As we close out 2025, we’re feeling incredibly grateful. December brought so much goodness, lifting our spirits and brightening the end of our holiday season. Here are just a few of the amazing community partners who helped make this month shine:

***DUTCH BROS: 15 Local Stores supported Food for Hope for 1 Saturday in November donating more than $16,000***

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 236lbs

Calvary Bible Church: 1,324lbs 

Thunder Vista P-8 School: 1,584lbs

Community Reach Center: 2,032lbs 

ICryo: 55lbs

Advanced Space: 134lbs

CMTA: 108lbs

Pinnacle Charter School Club: 834lbs

Uptown Community Health: 357lbs 

Community Pet Hospital: 230lbs

MYR: 225lbs

Rocksol: 250lbs

Karter School: 238lbs

Little Monkey Business: 37lbs

Fieldhouse Apartments: 50lbs

Winterfest 5k with 3W Races: 116lbs 

North Metro Church 'Big Give': 322lbs 

Trailside Neighborhood Assn: 236lbs

Girl Scout Troop: 62

Village Calvary Church: 58lbs

Intrepid Bodyworks: 80lbs

***More Last Minute Drives Coming In! Thank YOU!

Food drives are important all year long, not only during the holidays! If your company or group is interested in partnering with Food for Hope, we’d love to connect—please reach out to Darcie or Tiffany. 

Have you seen our Food for Hope MERCH STORE?  

Start the New Year with gear that gives back! Our Online Merchandise Store is packed with beautifully — and locally — designed apparel, now including kids’ sizes in fun, vibrant colors.

Every purchase helps feed local students and families in need, spreading Hope well beyond the holiday season.

Food for Hope Store 

Food for Hope Events!

12/16/25 thru 12/31/25:

Chicken n Pickle CUP Campaign Thornton, CO

$.25 from each cup purchased goes back to Food for Hope!

Take your Family & Friends for some Holiday Fun!  

2/17/2026:

Support Food for Hope at this NEW Event with 27J Riverdale High School! 

Purchase a beautiful hand-made bowl and receive a warm dinner all while supporting local students! 

SAVE THE DATE:
Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at
The Establishment, Westminster.

Would you help share our story?

Would you help share our story?

Your voice matters more than ever! As we step into the New Year, Food for Hope continues to face a growing waitlist of schools requesting our programs — which means too many children are still missing out on essential nutrition.

Because you share, Food for Hope has grown even more in 2025 — and we are so grateful. Please keep sharing!

You can help us continue expanding our impact simply by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. It takes less than a minute, and every share helps strengthen our work. Check out our social links: @FoodforHopeCO

Well Magazine - Dec. 2025

Food for Hope is excited to share the Winter and Spring 25-26 release of Well Magazine. You can read the Food for Hope article on page 18!

November Newsletter - 2025!

Dear Food for Hope Supporters,

I am writing to you as we are winding up Feed 5000, and the largest week of food distribution in Food for Hope history! Our efforts have resulted in hundreds of schools served with extensive food support for kids all across Adams County. We have a small staff, and we have all been stretched to our limit over the past few weeks. But you, our community, have held us up. You have donated, showed up, sweat alongside us, packed, sorted, and encouraged. Thank you! In this month's blog, I detailed more about what we have experienced over the last month and all the ways our supporters have made our work possible. I encourage you to check it out at the link below.

The aching feet, blisters, and scratched up hands are worth it when we know thousands of children will have what they need in the coming weeks. Our work is not over, but we are grateful. And if you are reading this message, then I am especially grateful for you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

 Warmly, 

Executive Director

emily@foodforhope.net

Read November Blog

Feed 5000 - Highlights

Feed 5000 is complete! We packed 2,500 holiday meal boxes with the help of hundreds of amazing volunteers and supporters! Thank you to our incredible community for lifting up others in need this holiday season. Together, we’re spreading hope, joy, and plenty of heart.

These boxes supported students at 160 schools and over 10,000 individuals all over Adams County! 

Thank You, Food for Hope Community!  

During the SNAP Emergency, Feed 5000, and ALL of November, you showed up in every way possible — through generous monetary gifts, food donations, extra volunteer hours, and endless encouragement. Our community came through, and because of you, we were able to continue feeding local students and families when they needed us most. Thanks to your help, we were able to distribute close to 5,000 extra supplemental food bags, stock additional food in our pantries, and give out hundreds of grocery gift cards to sustain families during a difficult time.

We’re also deeply grateful for the incredible grants and new partnerships that came our way during this time — a true reflection of your belief in our mission and the power of sharing the work we do.

From all of us at Food for Hope, thank you for standing beside us, spreading hope, and feeding hearts across Adams County.

Community Connections

As we head into the holiday season, we’re feeling extra grateful for the incredible community support we are receiving! Below are some of the amazing community partners from our crazy November Month: 

SO MANY INDIVIDUAL FOOD DONATIONS - THANK YOU!

NOCO Women's Chamber of Commerce - Feed 5000 Support & Birthday Bags

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Drive (Monthly): 77lbs 

Dion's Pizza: $1,000 Extra SNAP Community Support Grant and Pizza Donation for Feed 5000 Core Volunteer Team 

Modern Woodmen of America: Food Drive 1,134lbs 

Target Distribution Center Team: Pallet Unloading

Do Gooder Games: 117lbs

Home School Group: 440lbs (Food Meal Bags)

Local Boy Scouts: 123lbs

Cub Scouts Pack 417: 471lbs

Windfall Brewery: 425lbs 

Advanced Space: 246lbs 

Rocky Mountain Pride Bands: 566lbs 

*The rest of the donations have not been updated yet. We are behind but will catch up soon!

If your company or group is interested in partnering with Food for Hope, we’d love to connect—please reach out to Darcie or Tiffany. 

Food for Hope Merch for the Holidays! 

Our Online Merchandise Store is full of beautifully (& locally) designed apparel that gives back. We NOW have Kids Sizes Available in Fun Colors!

Each purchase helps feed local students and families in need — and share the gift of Hope for the holidays!

Food for Hope Store 

Upcoming Events!

Dutch Bros Community Fundraiser!

Saturday 11/22 - Go Treat yourself, friends or family with a Dutch Bros Drink at 15 Local Locations (Northglenn, Thornton, Westminster, Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights and more!). $1 from each drink will support Food for Hope Food Programming!

Chicken n Pickle CUP Campaign Thornton, CO

12/16 thru 12/31 
$.25 from each cup purchased goes back to Food for Hope!

Take your Family & Friends for some Holiday Fun! 

CO Gives Day!

All donations will be doubled up to $50,000!

Increase your impact and make your year-end donation that day or schedule your donation using the button below!

SAVE THE DATE:
Food for Hope Spring Gala, 4/16/26 at The Establishment, Westminster.

Would you help share our story?

Your voice is powerful! Food for Hope has a waitlist of schools requesting our programs, and that means children are missing out on essential nutrition every day. You can help our organization grow by sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers. This simple action takes less than a minute, and you’re helping expand our reach to support our work. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate community—one connection at a time.

Social Media: Food for Hope CO

Panda Express Chooses Food for Hope for Ribbon Cutting Donation!

Panda Express has officially opened a new location in Thornton at 7120 E 128th Avenue. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday morning, joined by the City of Thornton’s Office of Economic Development, Thornton Area Chamber of Commerce and Food for Hope! Upon cutting the ribbon, Panda Express donated $1000.00 to Food for Hope’s efforts in food insecurity at Adams County Schools. The popular fast-casual chain continues to grow in the community, offering another convenient spot for residents to enjoy its American-Chinese favorites!

News Story Here

11/12/25 - 11/18/25: Food for Hope Selected as Nonprofit Partner for Kyle Clark’s “Next” on 9NEWS

Food for Hope Selected as Nonprofit Partner for Kyle Clark’s “Next” Word of Thanks on 9NEWS

Food for Hope is honored to be chosen as a nonprofit partner for Kyle Clark – Next on Channel 9 News in Denver. This incredible opportunity comes at a crucial time, as we work to complete our Feed 5000 campaign and ensure local families receive a Holiday Meal Box this season.

Kyle Clark and the Next community are helping us close the final gap in donations, making it possible for thousands of families to enjoy a complete, nourishing holiday meal. Any additional funds raised will go directly into expanding our food programming, strengthening our In-School Food Pantries, and supporting students and families facing food insecurity across Adams County.

We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for everyone who steps in to support their neighbors. Together, we’re building a brighter, more hopeful holiday season for our community.