Where to Find Food and Essential Resources in Colorado Springs

Food insecurity affects many people throughout El Paso County, including families, single adults, and older adults living on fixed incomes. Recent assessments show that roughly one in ten residents in our area may struggle to afford enough food each month. Combined with transportation barriers and ongoing changes in local grocery availability, consistent access to healthy food has become a growing challenge for many neighborhoods in Colorado Springs.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty getting groceries or essential household items, the good news is that Colorado Springs has a strong network of community organizations ready to help. Below is a straightforward guide to well established, fact checked resources you can rely on.

1. Local Food Pantries and Free Meal Programs

Care and Share Food Bank and Its Partner Network

Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado serves as the main hub that supplies hundreds of community food programs across the region. They work with churches, community centers, and nonprofit partners to provide groceries to anyone experiencing food insecurity.

A helpful feature on their website is the Food Locator, where you can type in your address or ZIP code to see which food pantries or mobile markets are closest to you. Listings include operating hours, directions, and any special notes. If you prefer to speak to someone directly, their main line (719-528-1247) can assist in locating the nearest open pantry.

Catholic Charities Marian House Programs

Catholic Charities runs two major food programs that many Colorado Springs residents depend on:

-Marian House Kitchen

• Provides free, hot meals every day of the year

• Open to all individuals and families

• Located in central Colorado Springs

• No appointment or documentation required

-Marian House Marketplace

• A grocery-style pantry where visitors can select the foods that work for their household

• Offers fresh produce, meats, refrigerated items, and staples

• Appointments are encouraged to help manage flow and reduce wait times

Catholic Charities also provides additional support services, making it a useful stop for people who need help beyond food.

Mercy’s Gate

Mercy’s Gate is another long-running organization that offers short term food support for households facing unexpected hardship. Their pantry typically provides enough groceries to help stabilize a household for several days. Because their schedule changes throughout the year, calling ahead ensures you receive the most accurate information.

2. Resources Designed Specifically for Seniors

Silver Key Senior Services

Silver Key is one of the most important senior support agencies in Colorado Springs. They offer several programs that help older adults maintain nutrition and independence.

-Silver Key Pantry

• Seniors can receive a monthly supply of groceries

• New clients call 719-884-2300 to register

• Regular hours are Monday through Friday during the day, except for the first week of each month when the pantry resets

• Emergency food is available for urgent situations

-Home Delivered Meals

For seniors who are homebound or unable to shop and cook regularly, Silver Key provides nutritious home delivered meals, including Meals on Wheels. A registered dietitian is available for questions about nutrition or dietary concerns.

Additional Senior Assistance

Silver Key works with community partners and federal commodity programs to add variety and volume to their food offerings. They also help seniors understand transportation options for grocery trips or pantry visits.

3. Help With Hygiene Items, Clothing, and Other Household Essentials

Food scarcity often comes with other needs, such as toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies, and basic household products. Several organizations in Colorado Springs provide this type of support.

Community Organizations Offering Essentials

• Many partner pantries listed on the Care and Share Food Locator also distribute hygiene products, diapers, and feminine care items. Availability varies by site, so checking ahead helps.

• Catholic Charities offers clothing, hygiene kits, and support services alongside their food programs.

• Some churches and neighborhood community centers run small essentials closets for anyone in need, especially families and seniors.

4. One Number for Everything: 2-1-1 Colorado

If you are unsure where to begin, dialing 2-1-1 is the easiest first step.

2-1-1 Colorado, operated locally through Pikes Peak United Way, connects callers with verified resources for:

• Food

• Clothing

• Housing and utilities help

• Transportation

• Medical and mental health support

• Senior services

• Emergency needs

You can reach 2-1-1 by calling 211, calling 866-760-6489, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or searching the online directory at 211colorado.org.

This service is free, confidential, and designed to walk you through your options based on your situation.

5. A Simple Starting Plan if You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

-Call 2-1-1

Tell them your ZIP code and what you need right now. They will give you a personalized list of the nearest food resources and other help.

-If you are a senior or caring for one, contact Silver Key

Their programs cover food, transportation guidance, and home delivered meals.

-If you prefer an in person option, reach out to Catholic Charities

Their Marian House programs are consistent, well staffed, and welcoming to all.

-Check the Care and Share Food Locator

It provides the quickest snapshot of what food support is available near you today.

We believe that health is shaped by more than exercise plans or appointments. Food security, stability, and community support all play a meaningful role in a person’s overall wellbeing. We know that many of our patients and neighbors face challenges that extend beyond mobility and healing, and we want this space to be a place where helpful information is easy to find.

While we do not directly provide food or essentials assistance, we care deeply about the people we serve and the community we are part of. Our hope is that this guide helps connect you or someone you know with the local organizations doing incredible work every day in Colorado Springs.

If you find yourself needing support, please know you are not alone. This community is full of compassionate groups ready to help, and reaching out is a strong and important step. We are grateful to walk alongside you in your health journey and honored to serve a community that looks out for one another.