Fort Collins Butcher Shop Raises $75,000 for SNAP Benefit Relief, Plans Expanded Meat Distribution
A Fort Collins butcher shop's fundraising campaign has collected more than $75,000 to provide meat to Northern Colorado residents affected by the suspension of federal food assistance benefits, with distribution set to resume November 4 after the business received a 2,400-pound meat delivery.
Friendly Nick's Butcher, located at 2601 South Lemay Avenue, announced November 3 it would close for the day to organize the large meat shipment and develop operational systems to balance regular business with its donation campaign. The shop plans to coordinate with staff on volunteer opportunities and distribution logistics.
The initiative responds to November's suspension of SNAP benefits for thousands of Larimer County households due to the federal government shutdown. The business joins other Northern Colorado establishments addressing food insecurity, including Philippe French Bistro's free meal program.
The butcher shop owner acknowledged in a social media post that the campaign has generated requests from community members seeking volunteer opportunities. Details about volunteer coordination will be posted later, according to the announcement.
The business encouraged potential donors to split contributions between the shop's GoFundMe campaign and established food banks. "They are more prepared and organized and can help more people faster than I can," the owner stated in the November 3 post.
Friendly Nick's Butcher has operated at its South Lemay Avenue location throughout at least the past five years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Fort Collins municipal business directories. The shop previously engaged in community support efforts during pandemic quarantine measures.
Food Bank of Larimer County operates with minimal eligibility requirements, asking only for proof of identity and residency rather than income documentation for emergency food distribution. The organization follows Larimer County Department of Health and Environment protocols requiring all donated perishable items, including meat, to be processed in USDA- or Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment-licensed facilities.
Informal donation campaigns like the butcher shop's initiative complement official food assistance programs by providing additional protein items that supplement limited supplies at food banks and pantries. Such campaigns typically operate outside the formal SNAP benefit infrastructure, which provides electronic benefits for direct food purchases rather than charitable distribution.
Colorado regulations require donated meat distributed to the public to come from licensed, inspected facilities with proper documentation and temperature control during handling. The Colorado Food Donation Act and local county requirements govern such charitable food distribution efforts.
Distribution at Friendly Nick's Butcher is scheduled to begin November 4. The business's GoFundMe campaign remains active for those wishing to contribute to the meat distribution effort.