Fort Collins Butcher Shop Closes Community Fundraiser After Distributing Final Meat Packages

Friendly Nick's Butcher in Fort Collins closed its #meattheneed fundraiser on November 17 and will distribute its final 150 meat packages on November 18 to residents with EBT cards or federal identification.

Nick, the shop's owner, announced the decision to shut down the fundraiser temporarily as he needs cooler space for turkeys and Thanksgiving preparations over the next two weeks. The remaining packages will be available on a first-come basis to qualifying residents at the shop's location at 2601 South Lemay Street.

The butcher shop launched the #meattheneed fundraiser in early November during a period of widespread food insecurity affecting Northern Colorado residents. By November 10, the initiative had raised more than $100,000 in community donations and was distributing up to 200 packages daily to families impacted by the temporary SNAP benefit suspension.

Nick stated he will not spend the remaining donated funds and instead plans to make "a sizable donation to the food banks in Colorado." The shop owner indicated he hopes to continue the fundraiser in some form after Thanksgiving, though specific plans have not been finalized.

The Food Bank for Larimer County serves more than 30,000 food-insecure residents annually in Larimer County. The organization operates multiple pantry locations and mobile distribution programs that require proof of residency but no income verification for food assistance.

The #meattheneed initiative expanded beyond meat distribution during its operation, partnering with local businesses to provide bread and baby supplies to families in need.

Colorado resumed full SNAP benefit funding on November 13 after the federal government shutdown ended, restoring food assistance to approximately 600,000 state residents.

Residents seeking to pick up meat packages on November 18 must bring either an EBT card or federal identification to Friendly Nick's Butcher during regular business hours.