The government shutdown has created unexpected challenges for many families, and we know how stressful that can be. Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree is here to help make things a little easier by connecting you with local resources and support. We’ve rounded up places offering free food for families and pets (yes, your furry friends are included 🐶🐱), plus links to organizations providing additional assistance beyond food. And if you’re in a position to lend a hand, you can volunteer or donate to help others in need at all of the places listed below. Together, we can lift each other up through this tough time.
🥕 School Food Programs
All Colorado schools districts offer FREE breakfast and lunch to ALL students during the school year when school is in session. All students qualify and no application is required.
Image Credit: SolStock | Canva
🥫 Food Banks
Many food banks require a photo ID and proof of residence. Please call in advance to determine what is required and to confirm location and hours. This information is subject to change.
Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
2 Oakwood Park Plaza, Suite 100, Castle Rock, CO 80104 | 720-215-4521
Who: Serving ALL zip codes in Douglas, Elbert, and Park counties
Required Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency (current utility bill)
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9 am. – 2 pm
Days and time vary based on location
Harvest Bible Church
826 S Elbert St, Elizabeth, CO 80107 | 303-646-3699
Who: Elbert and Douglas County Residents
Require Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency (current utility bill)
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10am - 12pm
Help & Hope Center
1638 Park Street, Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 303-688-1114
Who: Serving ALL zip codes in Douglas and Elbert counties
Required Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency (current utility bill)
Hours: Monday thru Friday – 8:30am to 12:00 Noon – Services by appointment only
Manna Care
Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 | 303-791-4100
Who: Douglas County Residents
Required Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency (current utility bill)
Hours: First and Third Tuesdays of each month, 9-11:30am and 4:30-6pm
Parker Task Force
19105 Longs Way, Parker CO 80134 | 303-841-3460
Who: Serving the Colorado communities of Parker, Elizabeth and Franktown
Required Documentation: Photo ID + official mail from the current month addressed to you at your residence within our service area (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, etc.) in hardcopy or electronic form via your phone
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 9am - 1pm. Please call or arrive prior to 11:30 AM for same day service
Secor Cares
17151 Pine Lane, Parker, CO, 80134 | 720-842-5621
Who: Residents of the zip codes listed HERE
Required Documentation: Photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) Proof of residency (utility bill, lease/mortgage statement, etc. )
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday: 9am - 4pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am - 1pm ( Appointment Required)
St. Elizabeth's Pantry
Pax Christi Catholic Community, 10675 Jaguar Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124 | 303-799-1036
Who: Douglas County Residents
Required Documentation: Photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) Proof of residency (utility bill, lease/mortgage statement, etc. )
Hours: Open Most Fridays, 10am - 12pm
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Castle Rock
St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2746 5th Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104 | 303-847-2606
Who: All are welcome
Required Documentation: None
Hours: Second (held inside) and Fourth (held outside) Saturday of each month. 9:00am until out of food
The ROCK Food Bank
The Rock Church, 4881 Cherokee Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80109 | 303-688-0777
Who: All are welcome
Required Documentation: None, Registration required
Hours: First and third Saturday of each month from 9:00am – 11:00am
Image Credit : chendongshan | Canva
🦴 Pet Food Pantries and Other Pet Assistance
There are several pet food pantries that provide free pet food to families. If you are in need of pet food, please visit one of the sites below. Pets provide much needed love and companionship and we want to keep families together with their pets.
Cat Care Society
5787 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214 |303-239-9680
Hours: Food Bank: First and third Saturday of every month 10am - 12pm | Office: Thursday-Monday 12pm-6pm
Colorado Pet Pantry
Pet Food Bank days and times differ by location, check Colorado Pet Pantry's website for a pet food bank near you.
Food Bank of the Rockies
Days and times differ by location.
Harvest Bible Church
826 S Elbert St, Elizabeth, CO 80107 | 303-646-3699
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10am - 12pm
Humane Colorado Pet Assist
info@humanecolorado.org | 303-751-5772
Provides temporary housing for pets and owners in need.
Pet Care Finder
Enter your city, state and zip code on the website for pet assistance near you.
Secor Cares
17151 Pine Lane, Parker, CO, 80134 | 720-842-5621
Hours: First Monday of the month, 10am – 12pm
Apps and Additional Resources
Helpful Apps to download (All apps available for Android and Apple users)
- Flashfoods
- Flip - Apple Store and Google Store
- GoPuff - Website and App
- Plentiful
- Too Good To Go
Find additional resources for other needs that your family may have at the following links.
- http://kidsfoodfinder.org/
- https://www.hungerfreecolorado.org/
- https://peak.my.site.com/peak/s/peak-landing-page?language=en_US
- https://www.foodbankrockies.org/
- https://www.coloradocoalition.org/
- https://doubleupcolorado.org/ - Get free fruits and vegetable with your SNAP benefits
- https://www.211colorado.org/ - Assistance for food , shelter, childcare and more
- https://findhelp.org/ - Enter your zip code
- https://feedingcolorado.org/find-food/ - Helps locate food pantries in your area
