Fort Collins Butcher Shop Surpasses $80,000 in Fundraising for SNAP-Affected Families
Friendly Nick's Butcher in Fort Collins surpassed $80,000 in GoFundMe donations as the shop began distributing free "Meat the Need" packages to residents affected by SNAP benefit suspensions on November 4.
The butcher shop at 2601 South Lemay Avenue announced it would start handing out the assistance packages at 10 a.m. on election day, continuing its response to the federal government shutdown that threatened food security for Colorado residents.
The shop offered a 5 percent discount to customers who showed their "I Voted" stickers on election day, connecting civic participation with community support efforts.
Friendly Nick's Butcher launched the initiative in late October after the government shutdown put SNAP benefits at risk. Each free package contains one pound of ground beef, one pound of pork shoulder, one pound of chicken breast, one pound of chicken drums or wings, and a half-dozen eggs, with each package costing approximately $15 to assemble.
The shop requested that donors consider splitting their contributions between the GoFundMe campaign and local food banks. "Please take half of what you might give to me and donate it to your local food bank," the business stated in its announcement.
Friendly Nick's Butcher expanded its assistance beyond meat packages to include baby formula and baby supplies such as diapers and wipes. The shop requested donations of these items from community members.
The butcher shop is an authorized SNAP retailer located in the Scotch Pines Village Shopping Center at Drake and Lemay in Fort Collins, according to Better Business Bureau records. The business holds an A+ rating with the BBB for its service in Larimer County.
SNAP benefits average $186 per month for individuals and $350 per month for households in Colorado, according to state data. The October 2025 federal shutdown threatened these payments for residents throughout Northern Colorado.
Several Fort Collins restaurants and businesses have launched similar initiatives to support residents during the SNAP benefit suspension, including Philippe French Bistro's free meal program.
The "Meat the Need" name for the assistance packages came from community suggestions in response to the shop's initial announcement, which generated thousands of comments on social media.