Harvesting Community:
Join the Y in Feeding Our Neighbors
The YMCA's Beyond Hunger food pantry program began at the Southwest YMCA in January 2021, following the YMCA of Metro Denver's response during the pandemic and growing food insecurity in the metro area.
In response to recent impacts to SNAP benefits, the Y is expanding the ways we serve our community. This season, alongside Beyond Hunger, we're introducing new initiatives to help ensure families have access to nourishing food and meaningful connection — and you can help make a difference.
We're seeking volunteers and encourage you to spread the word to neighbors, friends, and anyone who could use a little extra help this season.
As we enter this season of gratitude and giving, let's come together to fill hearts and homes with nourishment and hope. Together, we can make this season one of generosity, kindness and community.
Harvest Basket Food Drive
Southwest & University Hills-Schlessman YMCAs
Nov. 14 – 21
Gather your friends, coworkers or family to fill a basket and feed a family! Pick up a basket at your Y, along with a grocery list of culturally diverse food items to help create Thanksgiving meals for families in our community. Bring back your filled basket by Nov. 21.
Our goal is to fill 150 baskets, and your contribution gets us closer to that. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Denver Y will be providing turkeys for 150 families this season.
If you or someone you know are facing a bit more need this holiday season, complete this form to request to receive a Harvest Basket.
DRIVE DATES
- Donor-Basket Pick Up will be Friday, November 14th
- Donor-Basket Drop Off will be Friday, November 21st
- Volunteer Basket Prep Day will be Sunday, November 23rd
- Recipient-Basket Pick Up or Delivery will be Monday, November 24th
- Harvest Basket Pick Up will be anytime Monday, November 24th Between 7 AM - 7 PM
Harvest to Home Food Kits
Southwest YMCA
Tuesdays, 4 – 6 PM | Nov. 18 – Dec. 30
Lunch and dinner meal kits — including nonperishable food items — will be available to anyone in need.
Beyond Hunger Distribution
Our Beyond Hunger Market is open at the Southwest YMCA, 5181 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236 every Thursday from 4 to 6 PM.
The Beyond Hunger shelves are filled with a variety of healthy grocery items to help support those in the community who are in need of assistance. With our partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies we are a part of the Link2Feed system.
We have shifted to a market style distribution. You will get to choose which foods you want to take home with you – just like you would at a grocery store! Please contact the Beyond Hunger Team at 720 524 2758 or email beyondhunger@denverymca.org.
Feed Your Neighbor, Nourish Our Community
Did you know? Through your YMCA’s Beyond Hunger program, our community gets weekly access to fresh and nutritious foods and other essentials — and you can help!
Volunteer Opportunity
Are you interested in volunteering for the Beyond Hunger food pantry program? Volunteers can help in many ways, including sorting groceries, filling bags, passing out bags of food and making connections with our community. Read our volunteer guidelines.
Additional Community Food Resources
Looking to Donate Food?
Thank you for considering a donation of food to our Beyond Hunger program! We accept donations dropped off at our Southwest YMCA. Please see our guidelines.
Growing up, we didn't have a big family or community in the area since we were military, so the Y was able to provide that for me. And now I want to be able to give back.