Food Bank for Larimer County Mobile Market Offers Free Groceries in Fort Collins
Food Bank for Larimer County distributed fresh produce, proteins, and pantry staples at its mobile market on November 9 at Foothills Unitarian Church in west Fort Collins.
The farmer's market-style distribution, which began at 1 p.m., offered residents items including frozen cookies, corn, bell peppers, apples, eggplant, pinto beans, crackers, chicken breast pouches, and macaroni and cheese. No documentation or eligibility verification was required, with participants asked only to self-declare need.
The mobile market program brings food directly to neighborhoods throughout Larimer County where access to traditional food pantries or grocery stores is limited. The rotating schedule serves communities in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, and rural areas through partnerships with churches, libraries, recreation centers, and schools.
Food Bank for Larimer County was founded in 1984 and now distributes nearly 9 million pounds of food annually as the only Feeding America clearinghouse for donated food in Larimer County, according to the organization. The nonprofit serves more than 54,000 residents through direct programs and partner agencies.
The mobile market approach differs from stationary food pantries by eliminating transportation barriers and reaching under-served populations at convenient community locations. Food sourced for mobile markets comes from local farmers, USDA commodity programs, retail donations, and Feeding America partnerships.
Recent reports show increased demand for food assistance in Larimer County, with more than 16,000 children affected by suspended SNAP benefits in November. The Food Bank received a $650,000 emergency grant to address increased need following the federal benefit suspension affecting 34,000 county residents.
Foothills Unitarian Church serves as a regular host site for mobile market distributions. Additional locations and schedules are available on the Food Bank for Larimer County website.
The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide food to all in need through community partnerships and hunger-relief programs.