Food assistance when there is an emergency
You and your family may be able to receive emergency food assistance when there is an unanticipated school closure, an extreme weather event (flood, fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake), a natural disaster, or other similar situation in your community. When a disaster strikes, the USDA supplies food to disaster relief organizations for mass feeding or household distribution. State programs such as Colorado's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Colorado Food Program may offer special food programs for both existing clients and those recently affected by the emergency.
Where can I find food?
If emergency shelters are set up, all children ages 0–18 may receive up to three free meals each day at an emergency shelter. An appropriate facility may include a school or institution that provides meals to displaced families.
Check for these resources in the event of an emergency:
Hunger Free Colorado provides resources for:
- food assistance
- food banks
- other food options
Visit the website to learn more:
- Hunger Free Colorado. (website)
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) :
- is available during the school year during an unanticipated school closure
- may serve children ages 0-18
The Colorado Food Program:
- is available at schools and emergency shelters providing temporary housing to displaced families
- may serve meals and snacks during unanticipated school closures
- may serve children 0-18 and disabled adult participants
Learn more about the Colorado Food Program:
- The Colorado Food Program. (website)