Every week, during worship, we bless crates of food donated to the Bienvenidos Food Bank (also known as Northwest Family Assistance). We have a big orange community food box outside our front door to collect donations 24/7.
Since 1976, Bienvenidos has provided Northwest Denver individuals and families with food assistance in a safe welcoming place. During 2020, Bienvenidos distributed nearly 6,000 pounds of food to 200 households each week; gave away more than 350,000 meals; served 17,000 people at its primary location at 38th and Pecos and 3,200 people at the Mobile Pantry on West Colfax, a food desert.
During this time of pandemic, Bienvenidos has stayed open and provided services, and Highlands continued its strong partnership with the Food Bank. While Food Bank staff is focusing on obtaining food in bulk and distributing food, individual donors are directed to the Highlands orange box. We empty the box daily; check “best by” dates; and sort and crate food. Each week, we deliver food to the Food Bank. We also store food. In addition, our community assembles family hygiene kits (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and razors) and bags beans and rice for Food Bank clients. This opens safe volunteer opportunities for individuals in our Highlands community. We are looking for folks to empty the orange box and check “best by” dates. Sign-up below. Other volunteer opportunities will be publicized.