Colorado: Local Impact
Hunger Statistics in Colorado:
Hunger affects communities across Colorado, touching people of all ages, backgrounds, and zip codes. The most recent data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap—released in 2025 and based on 2023 estimates—offers a clearer picture of how hunger impacts local communities.
According to this latest data, 12.7% of Coloradans—nearly one in eight people—experienced food insecurity, while 14.3% of children lacked reliable access to enough food.
That child food insecurity rate represents an estimated 178,029 Colorado kids (14.3% of the 2023 child population)—enough to fill Empower Field at Mile High (76,125 seats) more than twice.
Hundreds of thousands of families and children across Colorado face hunger every day. This challenge exists in every county, affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.
Many households experiencing food insecurity earn too much to qualify for federal nutrition programs and instead rely on Feeding Colorado food banks and their network of local partner agencies to meet basic food needs.
Partner Stories
Food Bank of the Rockies
Totes of Hope™ ensures children don’t go hungry when school meals aren’t available. Through this program, Food Bank of the Rockies distributed 184,413 Totes through 46 partner sites, reaching students with bags of food they could take home on weekends, school breaks, and holidays. Each Tote provides 7–9 pounds of shelf‑stable food, snacks, and produce, helping bridge the gap when families need it most.
With renewed funding in FY26, Nourishing Neighbors restored the organization’s ability to include fresh produce in the bags—supporting healthier children, stronger families, and brighter futures.
Food Bank for Larimer County
Thanks to funding from Nourishing Neighbors, the Fresh Food Share program is helping neighbors meet their basic needs with dignity and choice. Older adults like Marilee, 75, rely on the program’s groceries to supplement a fixed income and continue living independently. “It just makes it easier for us to continue to live independently,” she says. “It’s a great resource.”
The program also provides critical support for neighbors facing temporary or unexpected challenges. Hannah, a full‑time college student working full time in food service, uses the no‑cost market to stretch her budget as housing costs rise. For Stephen, a U.S. Navy veteran who is losing his vision and can no longer work, access to fresh fruits and vegetables has been life‑changing. “Without Fresh Food Share, we wouldn’t be able to make any ends meet,” he shares. “It’s been a true blessing.” Together, these stories reflect the tangible impact Nourishing Neighbors’ investment has on health, stability, and hope across the community.
