Urgent: Boulder County Food Pantries Face Crisis Amid Shutdown

UPDATE: Food pantries in Boulder County are bracing for a severe crisis as the federal government shutdown continues, threatening vital food assistance programs. Officials from local organizations warn that without immediate community support, the situation could worsen dramatically for thousands of families.

At Harvest of Hope, located at 4830 Pearl St., Executive Director Chad Molter reported on October 15, 2025, that demand for food assistance is surging as the pantry serves over 6,000 individuals this year alone—a significant increase from fewer than 5,000 last year. The pantry, which operates like a small grocery store, has seen shelves grow increasingly bare as uncertainty looms due to potential cuts in federal food assistance.

“Every day, we see more people who rely on us as their primary food source,” Molter stated, expressing alarm over the shutdown’s impact on critical programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). As of now, 20% of the pantry’s food supply comes from TEFAP, but that could change if the shutdown persists.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture plays a crucial role in supplying food through TEFAP, but with the government shut down, orders filed after November 1 may not be fulfilled. “We’re downstream from a lot of things happening that we can’t control,” Molter added, echoing the fears of many food bank leaders across the region.

The Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), another vital resource, is also preparing for an increase in demand. Director Ellen Ross highlighted that EFAA distributed 124 million pounds of food last year to over 2,265 households, but anticipates that cuts to programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could further strain resources.

In Longmont, the OUR Center expects a potential 25% increase in clients seeking food assistance if the shutdown extends into November. Executive Director Marc Cowell noted that they are already strategizing to handle the increased demand while facing limited supplies.

“This is a critical moment. We may have to make difficult decisions about how we allocate our resources,” Cowell warned, urging the community to contribute financially or through food donations to help restock their Community Market.

Community Food Share, serving Boulder and Broomfield counties, echoed these concerns. CEO Kim Da Silva stated that pending disruptions in SNAP funding could drastically elevate the number of people relying on food banks, particularly among federal employees and military families.

“It’s hard to watch our community struggle with the uncertainty that comes with the shutdown,” said Molter. “Our clients are already facing anxiety over their basic needs.”

As the clock ticks toward November, food pantries in Boulder County are rallying for immediate community support. Those wishing to donate can visit Harvest of Hope at hopepantry.org and EFAA at efaa.org to contribute and help stabilize food supplies for those in need.

The situation remains urgent, and with the holiday season approaching, the need for assistance is expected to rise further. Local residents are encouraged to act now to ensure their neighbors do not go hungry during this critical time.