As summer approaches, many Routt County residents are looking for ways to reduce food costs and make the most of local resources. That’s where the Routt County Food Security Watchdogs come in.
This collaborative group, made up of representatives from LiftUp of Routt County, Routt County Department of Human Services, Routt County United Way, The Health Partnership, Routt County Council on Aging, Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church, Routt County Public Health, Northwest Colorado Health, Integrated Community, and Yampa Valley Community Foundation, meets regularly to identify and address gaps in local food access.
If you’re experiencing food insecurity or simply looking for support this summer, here’s a roundup of local programs and organizations offering free or reduced-cost food options in Routt County:
Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church
http://heartofsteamboat.com 970-879-1290
The Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church has a Food Blessing Box that can be accessed 24/7 by anyone in need. It is filled with non-perishable, grab & go snack food. It is located at 736 Oak St. under the awning at the door closest to 7th Street.
Integrated Community
www.ciiccolorado.org 970-871-4599
Integrated Community can connect and refer clients to appropriate resources and provide professional interpretation/translation services to non-English-speaking communities. They can aid with food assistance applications and more. resource@ciiccolorado.org
LiftUp of Routt County
liftuprc.org 970-870-8804
Food Banks located in Steamboat Springs and Oak Creek are available to Routt County Residents with an income of 300% or lower of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Residents can shop once per month or twice per month for fresh produce. You may be surprised to learn that you qualify for free food: individual 300% FPL is $3,912.50 per month, and 300% FPL for a family of four is $8,037.50 per month.
The food in the Grab ‘N Go section in each Food Bank is available to anyone who walks in during open hours at LiftUp.
Rocket Pack Summer Lunch program is available for school-aged children. Please visit one of LiftUp’s Food Bank locations to sign up, or visit liftuprc.org for application and more information.
LiftUp hours are as follows:
- Steamboat: 2095 Curve Court 970-870-8804 Monday – Friday 11:00-5:00 pm, 1st & 3rd Saturday each month 11:00-3:00
- Oak Creek: 227 Dodge Ave. 970-736-1047 Tues 9:30-11:30, Wed. 1:00-3:00, Thurs. 9:30-11:30
Routt County Department of Human Services
www.co.routt.co.us/187/Public/Assistance/Programs 970-870-5280
Sign up for SNAP benefits! Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides supplemental assistance to help low-income individuals and families purchase food. Benefits are based on household composition, income, and the combined resources of all household members.
We are located at 135 6th St in Steamboat Springs.
SNAP benefits can be used at the Steamboat Farmer’s Market, Between 5th-8th Streets on Yampa Street, June 7th-Sept 20st 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Hayden Congregational Church
haydencongoffice.wixsite.com, 970-276-3510
Stop by to get a Blessing Box of food outside of church which is regularly stocked at 202 E. Jefferson, Hayden.
Northwest Colorado Health
Northwest Colorado Health | Steamboat Springs, CO and Craig, CO 970-879-1362
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a free nutrition program for women, children, and families. Services include nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and supplemental healthy foods. Qualified women receive four nutrition education appointments with a WIC educator per year. Women who participate in the sessions receive eWIC cards to buy wholesome foods. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who live in Colorado must meet certain income requirements . For more information or to see if your family qualifies, call 970-871-7653.
Sign up for WIC: WIC Family Sign Up – Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (state.co.us)
Routt County Council on Aging
www.rccoaging.org 970-879-0633
Eat and Greet! Join us at one of our three dining sites! The recommended donation for meals is $3.00 for those 60 and better. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance at 970.879.0633 Ext. 4.
Lunch is served at noon at the following locations and days.
- Steamboat Springs Community Center: M, T, Th, F
- Oak Creek Community Center: M, W, F
- Hayden @ The Haven Community Center: Th,
Meals on Wheels
Any senior 60 years and better can receive a hot, delicious meal delivered to their door. The recommended donation for meals is $3.00 for those 60 and better. Reservations are required 1 week in advance at 970.879.0633. Frozen meals are also available.
Meals are delivered around noon on the following days.
- Steamboat Springs: M, T, Th, F
- Oak Creek: M, W, F
- Hayden: T, Th
- North Routt: Tuesday (frozen meals)
Routt County Extension
http://routt.extension.colostate.edu 970-879-0825
The Watchdogs welcome community members to join our mission to reduce food insecurity in Routt County by 2025.
📧 Email director@liftuprc.org for more info.
Full credit to the original authors: Members of the Routt County Food Security Watchdogs.
Thank you for supporting local solutions to food insecurity in Routt County. Together, we can build a stronger, more nourished community.