Welcome back to school! Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day Weekend.
If you’re new to FoCo Food Assistance, our website offers help finding government and community resources for affordable food, as well as occasional blogs on free food events in town. To stay on top of these events, subscribe to our newsletter via the bottom of our homepage.
If you feel you need help applying for SNAP or are looking for low-cost nutrition help, contact us via email (cewysocki73@gmail.com) or visit our sister site for nutrition and cooking help at: ZEST Nutrition
If you don't need help, consider dropping a food donation in one of CSU's Pocket Pantries located in 6 locations on campus (including a new one at the Health Center!). If you do need a nutrition boost, anonymously pick up some food from a Pocket Pantry.
Feedback and questions are welcome! Please share with other friends and students in need. Below are free food events available in Fort Collins this week.
WEDNESDAY, 9/5
MUFFINS WITH MOM, Lopez Elementary, 8am
If you're a Lopez Elementary School Mom, these muffins are for you! Join the PTA and other Lopez moms for coffee and muffins.
Try free samples at the Farmers’ Market. You can use DOUBLE BUCKS here!
THURSDAY, 9/6
CSU MOBILE PANTRY, University Ave., 4-6pm
The Larimer County Food Trucks will be parked on University Avenue, directly north of the Hartshorn Building (this is located to the west of the Lory Student Center). Anybody with a valid CSU ID (student/staff/faculty) is eligible to participate. Just bring your ID and bags for transporting food! Hope to see you then.
FRIDAY, 9/7
1st FRIDAY ART GALLERY WALK, Old Town, 5-8pm
Grab free goodies during your art walk in Old Town. For example, The Downtown Artery usually has a free beer, brownies, veggie platter, and candy.
FARMSTAND FRIDAYS, 2917 S. Taft Hill Rd., 3-6pm
Feeling hungry? Come on by the weekly farmstand to sample and purchase delicious veggies, goat milk, and eggs! We also offer free farm tours (come say hi to our friendly goats!). All friends and family are welcome, we look forward to meeting you!
PRINGLES WINE TASTING, Drake & Taft Hill, 4-7pm
Try 3 wines along with free cheese, salami, and crackers.
WILBUR'S BEER TASTING, 2201 S. College Ave., 3-6:30pm
Try 3 beers along with free snacks.
SATURDAY, 9/8
BLACK SQUIRREL HALF MARATHON VOLUNTEER EVENT, Lory State Park, 7am-12pm
Volunteer with the CSU Food And Nutrition Club at the Black Squirrel Half Marathon to serve runners food. If you volunteer, you can get a free breakfast as well! Carpools available upon sign-up. Sign-up here to join FoCo Food Assistance owner, Colleen, and other community members at this great event!
LARIMER COUNTY FARMERS' MARKET, 200 W. Oak St., 8am-12pm
Try free samples of peaches, granola bars, pastries, and more at the Farmers’ Market. Also, if you receive SNAP, you can go to the SNAP/ Extension booth near the county building and request DOUBLE BUCKS. The best way to do this is to walk around the market first and estimate how much you would likely spend on fruits and veggies. Then pay half of that amount using your Quest card at the SNAP booth (ie., if you would spend $10, pay $5 and you'll get $10 in vouchers).
DRAKE ROAD FARMERS' MARKET, 802 W. Drake Rd., 10am-1pm
Try free samples of peaches, granola bars, pastries, and more at the Farmers’ Market. You can use DOUBLE BUCKS here too!
FORT COLLINS SPECIALTY COOKS WOLF APPLIANCE DEMO & TASTING, 3710 Mitchell Dr., 11am-3pm
Join for Specialty Cooks, a live cooking/appliance demonstration. Enjoy tasty treats while learning about the latest in appliance innovation from Wolf.
WILBUR'S WINE TASTING, 2201 S. College Ave., 12-3:45pm
Try 3 wines along with free cheese, salami, and crackers.
SUNDAY, 9/9
FARMERS' MARKET AT HARMONY & LEMAY, 10am-2pm
Try free samples of peaches, granola bars, pastries, and more at the Farmers’ Market. You can use DOUBLE BUCKS here too!
VINDEKET MARKET, 1239 E. Drake Rd., 12-2pm
Leftover meals from Whole Foods, Revolution Market, & Sprouts are given away each Sunday in exchange for a financial donation or volunteer time. Those who can't donate or volunteer can talk to Serve 6.8 during the week.
TASTE OF PLYMOUTH, Plymouth Congregational Church, W. Prospect St., 5pm
The second annual Taste of Plymouth college student and community dinner will be on Sunday, Sept. 9th, at 5:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. ALL ARE WELCOME. Plymouth members are asked to bring a dish to share, pot-luck style. Congregational Life will provide dessert. Dinner at 5:00PM will be followed by special music at our evening service at 6:00 PM. CSU or college apparel is encouraged. Join us for dinner, service, or both! Email Susan Rayner (sampietro2rayner@gmail.com) to volunteer or with any questions.
As always, check our Pantries page for the food pantries hours and eligibility requirements each week.
Visit www.ZESTNutritionService.com for nutrition counseling, kombucha making, and cooking classes!