Free food available every week to Aurora residents

Since launching on May 20, the Aurora Mobile Food Pantry has provided food to more than 21,000 community members, totaling 300,000 pounds of food, or 320,000 meals. The pantry continues every week through Aug. 26. This Mobile Food Pantry program is part of the city’s continuous efforts to provide needed services to the community in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

August events will be held every Wednesday at Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave. Distribution will begin at 10 a.m. each day and go until all food has been distributed. Community members are encouraged to use the Alameda Avenue and South Crystal Street entrance to access the mobile panty.

Food items vary by week but have included: ready to eat meals, canned and boxed goods, grains, fresh produce and dairy, juice, and protein such as eggs, fish, turkey, and chicken. On average, the food provided to each household is enough to feed a family of four for five days.

Aurora Interfaith Community Services, in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies and We Don’t Waste, will provide food for August events with the goal of serving 2,200 community members each week. Aurora Animal Services and Colorado Pet Pantry will distribute pet food and supplies. Since May, more than 20,000 pounds of pet food has been distributed to community members, while WeeCycle and Families Forward Resource Center have provided more than $25,000 in diapers, formula and wipes. Additionally, 5,300 water bottles from Aurora Water and 2,100 books from Aurora Public Libraries have been distributed to families and children.

All Aurora households are eligible, and emergency food kits are also available for those experiencing homelessness. If you are driving to the mobile food pantry, remain in your car and wait your turn in line; do not park and leave your vehicle. If you are walking, please remember to practice social distancing while waiting your turn and wear a face covering.

The Aurora Mobile Food Pantry requires the support of more than 50 volunteers every week. Since May, community volunteers have contributed 2,460 hours of volunteer service to support weekly food distribution events. For volunteer opportunities, contact communityrel@auroragov.org or 303.739.7281.

For more information, visit AuroraGov.org/MobileFoodPantry or call 720.557.6444.