LIFT-UP

From Aspen to Parachute, 1 in 10 of our neighbors struggle to put food on the table. Join us in giving them a helping hand.

For more than 40 years, LIFT-UP has been an essential part of our region’s social safety net, a lifeline for families in need. Through our pantries and programs, we ensure that all residents – regardless of income, age, ethnicity or immigration status – have access to nutritious, culturally relevant food.

Why LIFT-UP?

Many of our neighbors struggle to keep up with costs in one of the most expensive regions of the country. Some are seniors. Some are weathering an illness, job loss or other temporary setback. Many are children.

A surprisingly large number of the workers who make our resort economy go – childcare providers, landscapers, housekeepers, kitchen staff – can’t afford a full month’s worth of groceries after exhausting their paychecks on rent, transportation and other expenses. 

LIFT-UP exists to tide people over in times of need, with dignity and compassion.

Why now?

Food insecurity didn’t end with the pandemic – in fact, it’s only increased. Since 2022, visits to LIFT-UP’s pantries have risen by 120%.

Like food banks across the country, LIFT-UP is bracing for a further spike in demand as cuts to federal programs take effect. An estimated 4,500 residents in the Aspen-Parachute corridor will lose some or all of their SNAP benefits. That means most of our 4,000 current clients will face greater hardship, and at the same time we will likely need to accommodate hundreds of new clients. With your help, LIFT-UP will meet this surge without turning anyone away.

Programs that lift people up

Your support of LIFT-UP powers these vital, time-tested programs:

• Fixed food pantries: in Parachute, Rifle, New Castle, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale.
• A new mobile pantry: currently serving Silt, with plans to expand to El Jebel and additional underserved communities in our region.
• Farm 2 Food Pantry: a model initiative that bolsters nutrition for our guests while supporting the local farm economy.
• Extended Table soup kitchens: offering hot evening meals in Glenwood Springs and Rifle.
• 72-hour bags: designed to provide clients facing sudden food insecurity with enough food for three days.
• Holiday meals: free turkeys, hams and fixings distributed to 750 deserving families each year.

More than 4,600 people rely on LIFT-UP. Each has a story. 

"Being a teen mom comes with trials. Breastfeeding was my goal, and we were able to breastfeed but only for 6 months. When I lost my supply, LIFT-UP food bank was able to do exactly that – reach out their hand and give me and my little guy a “lift up” – helping me get the formula and baby food to nourish my sweet boy when the prices are incredibly high for anyone to be able to afford.  

"If there is any resource in our valley that I know can help out anyone in a situation such as mine, it’s LIFT-UP and their wonderful staff and volunteers. In struggling times, I am so forever grateful to them!"

— J.A., 16, Garfield County

Hunger is a solvable problem. Together, we are the solution.

We are a generous community. When we see a need, we rally to help. And when it comes to hunger, we can respond in a simple, selfless way: we can feed people.

Together, we can ensure that our neighbors in need are fed. We can ensure that all children have access to nutritious food, that no senior has to miss a meal, and that receiving support doesn’t mean loss of dignity. In doing so, we’ll make our community stronger and bring out the best in ourselves.

Your donation to LIFT-UP is a powerful act of compassion that makes a real difference to thousands of families and individuals in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.