Serving up hope, 6 feet apart
WATCH: In the midsts of the COVID-19 pandemic, childhood-hunger-relief organization Food For Thought continues to feed kids who normally rely on school meals. Here’s how you can help.
In a time of social distancing, a mission of service is keeping communities connected – and fed.
“Coronavirus or not, we’re committed to feeding kids around our neighborhood,” said Bob Bell, founder of Food For Thought, a Denver-based childhood-hunger-relief organization.
Last week, Food For Thought prepped and delivered 3,500 meal bags to Denver Public Schools-established food-access sites across the city. Those locations provide grab-and-go breakfast and lunch to children up to 18 years old, with other sites also offering dinner services.
Another location is under the Colfax viaduct (see video), where the group continues a longstanding connection to the Metropolitan State University of Denver community.
“Our partnership (with MSU Denver) is key to what we do,” Bell said. “And it’s not just what happened Friday – it’s what we’ve been doing for the last eight years together.”
In addition to practicing a distancing radius of 6 feet, the group is limiting crew size, issuing gloves and reducing its line configuration to two workers (instead of six). With the fluid situation, Food For Thought is conducting weekly check-ins each Monday to determine the best approach for the following Friday distribution.
This is occurring as grant-supported organizations providing critical services to already-underresourced communities are facing even harsher fiscal realities.
“The need for support right now is greater – not less,” said Michael Wray, professor of hospitality at MSU Denver and a member of the Food For Thought board of advisors.
To help Food For Thought’s mission, click here to donate directly via ColoradoGives or visit its website to learn more before clicking “Give a Bag.”
