From Pizza Hut to Pantry Hub: Revamped Space Now Central to Food Pantry Operations
The transformation of a former Pizza Hut into a food rescue packaging and storage facility will make a significant impact on the food insecurity in Summit County. CAFE Food Rescue, a grantee of BGV Gives, is breathing new life into the space and repurposing it to serve a vital purpose. This building is being provided by the Town of Silverthorne to support food access programs in Summit County.
CAFE Food Rescue is a Summit nonprofit that increases access to fresh nutritious food for food insecure residents while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions caused by food production and food waste. Diane Calvin, CAFE Food Rescue’s Executive Director, shares that the organization “partners with food donors such as event centers, caterers, restaurants, and grocery stores to collect unused, nutritious food and distribute that food to members of our community facing difficult decisions on how to pay for rent, health care, food, and other necessities. Food is collected and packaged with the help of volunteers and is distributed through community dinners, food pantries, and social service organizations.”
CAFE Food Rescue provides food to 4 community dinners, 5 food pantries and 2 home delivery organizations that collectively serve more than 2000 people every week, making a tangible impact on alleviating food insecurity in the area. Partners include Rotary Dinner at the Elks Club, Father Dyer Church Community Dinner and Food Pantry, St. John’s Church Community Dinner, Lord of the Mountain Day Services, FIRC Food Markets in Dillon and Breckenridge, CAFÉ Food Rescue Pantry at the Summit Community Care Clinic, Dillon Community Church Food Pantry, Smart Bellies and Meals on Wheels.
The necessity of food assistance programs has become increasingly evident due to the challenges posed by the high cost of living in the mountains. With rent soaring, many families find it difficult to make ends meet.
According to the Colorado Center for Law and Policy, a staggering 19% of families in the community are struggling to meet their basic needs. This striking statistic underscores the urgent need for initiatives like CAFE Food Rescue in Summit County. The provision of food assistance not only fills plates but also makes it possible for individuals and families to focus on other critical needs without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from.
This transformation exemplifies the power of collective action in creating lasting positive change for those in need. BGV Gives is immensely proud to stand behind and support such an important and impactful cause within our community.
