Grand County's Mountain Family Center: Providing Hunger Relief, Housing Assistance + More Since 1979
Many in our community have more than enough, making it surprising for some to realize the unmet basic needs of so many that call Grand County home. Food insecurity and housing uncertainty are a reality for a significant portion of our community.
A true gift to our rural mountain towns, Mountain Family Center is quite literally "boots on the ground" as their team works diligently to tangibly meet community needs through their food pantry, thrift store, senior outreach, nutrition + wellness education, financial support for cancer treatment, and vision + dental programs.
Based in Granby, the Mountain Family Center serves both East and West Grand County from Winter Park to Kremmling. Their mission and vision statements make it clear they are committed to investing in and creating positive outcomes for our community members in need. "Building strength and developing self-reliance for individuals and families through responsive and collaborative services" is their mission. And their vision to "connect individuals and families to available resources, programs and services helping to alleviate hunger and poverty" is realized through their long-standing efforts and programming.
FOOD PANTRY
- 16% of Colorado Children lack access to nutritious food.
- 33% of Coloradans are struggling to access nutritious food.
- 20% of Colorado adults reported having to regularly cut back or skip meals because there wasn’t enough money to buy food.
- 42 million people in America are experiencing food insecurity.
Mountain Family Center is dedicated to addressing food insecurity here in our county by providing grocery access to everyone. They operate three food pantries (in Granby, Kremmling, and Fraser) and a mobile pantry. Any one can stop in and get what they need, free of charge. They stock canned goods, meat, dairy, eggs, fresh produce, cereal, bread and much more. MFC also offers diapers, formula, and toiletries such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste.
Their food tote program gets food in the hands of so many who need it most. The program sends food home from school with students for the weekend. While having a three day weekend each week is a gift for many, the lack of provided school breakfasts and lunches is a significant length of time for students experiencing food insecurity. Every Thursday, over 575 food totes are delivered to schools in Grand County. One in three students in the county participates in the program, with the numbers highlighting the need MFC is addressing each week. Food Bank of the Rockies provides the food, middle school students pack the totes, and bus drivers and volunteers deliver them - a genuine picture of a community coming together to care for each other.
MAIN STREET THRIFT
Main Street Thrift, a branch of the Mountain Family Center has a three-fold mission: raise funds for the Mountain Family Center, provide free clothing and household items on a voucher system for those in-need, and give access to reasonably priced gently-used goods to our community. It's worth a stop next time you're in downtown Granby!
HOUSING AND UTILITY SUPPORT
While the MFC doesn't provide housing, they are on the pulse and compile an up-to-date list of current available rentals for those in need of housing. They also offer one-time lease or mortgage assistance as well as gas, electric, and propane payment assistance.
GRAND SENIORS
Our multi-generational community is well-loved by the Mountain Family Center. They invest big in our senior community with the goal of "maintaining their independence in the beautiful county they love." Through meal, transportation, recreation, and resources for caregivers, the MFC provides a welcoming space and much-needed support for seniors and their caregivers.
EVENTS
The annual Drop Hunger event just wrapped up, but mark your calendars for the 6th Annual Taking Steps for Cancer Spirit Polar Plunge this June! All proceeds go to cancer-related services provided by the MFC.
We'll keep you updated on any upcoming Mountain Family Center fundraising events!
SUPPORT
Want to get involved and be a part of the incredible work MFC does for our community? Donations of time, goods, and funds help make their vision a reality. You can donate monetarily online; volunteer at a pantry, at the thrift store, or for an event; or drop off your gently-loved goods to Main Street Thrift. Be sure to check out their thrift store donation policy before heading that way!
The Grand County Association of Realtors had the privilege of donating $10,000 along with several boxes of coats for their annual coat drive this holiday season. We truly count it a gift to partner with local nonprofits. The work they do for our community is invaluable and is the heart of what makes Grand grand.
Posted by Angela McDonough (Sandstrom) on
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