7 Shocking Facts And Innovative Programs Driving Care And Share Colorado Springs’ 2025 Mission
Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado is currently facing one of its most challenging periods in recent history, with a critical increase in demand for food assistance coinciding with a decrease in available supply. As of December 21, 2025, the organization, which serves 29 counties across Southern Colorado, is intensifying its efforts to meet the needs of nearly 285,000 neighbors who rely on their services annually. Recent legislative and community support, including a $10 million allocation from Colorado lawmakers, underscores the urgent nature of the food insecurity crisis impacting the region.
This comprehensive look into Care and Share Colorado Springs goes beyond general information, providing fresh, updated details on their innovative programs, current operational needs, and the specific impact they are making. From the groundbreaking Sunny Side Market to their expansive Mobile Market, the food bank is employing creative solutions to ensure that no one in Southern Colorado goes hungry, even as their Colorado Springs distribution center struggles to reach full capacity.
The State of Hunger: Why Care and Share's Mission is More Critical Than Ever
The fight against hunger in Southern Colorado has reached a pivotal moment in late 2025. While the organization distributed an impressive 22 million pounds of food last year, the current economic climate and rising costs have strained resources, making their mission to serve communities from Colorado Springs to the state's southern border increasingly vital.
Food insecurity statistics paint a grim picture, highlighting the necessity of Care and Share's extensive network of partner agencies. According to recent data, approximately one in seven children in Colorado is currently facing hunger, a statistic that fuels the food bank's specialized children’s programs. The organization's 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator confirms their fiscal responsibility and effectiveness in translating donations into direct community impact.
Recent Operational Challenges and Legislative Support
In October 2025, Governor Jared Polis visited the Colorado Springs distribution center, drawing attention to a concerning detail: the facility was only 80% full. This gap between capacity and need highlights the ongoing supply struggles. In response, Colorado lawmakers recently signed off on a $10 million package for food assistance, a crucial injection of funds to help regional food banks like Care and Share navigate the current crisis.
The food bank's operational scope covers a vast 29-county service area, making logistical efficiency paramount. They also provide essential support beyond food, including application assistance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help families secure long-term stability.
Beyond the Pantry: 5 Innovative Programs Driving Southern Colorado's Food Security
Care and Share Food Bank is not simply a warehouse for non-perishables; it is a hub for innovative, dignity-focused food distribution and education. These five programs represent their forward-thinking approach to combating food insecurity:
- 1. The Sunny Side Market: This is a revolutionary no-cost grocery program designed to restore dignity to the food assistance process. Operating like a small, modern grocery store, it allows shoppers to select the foods they need, fostering a sense of normalcy. A third Sunny Side Market location opened in Southeast Colorado Springs in 2023, in partnership with Pikes Peak United Way and their Family Success Center, expanding access in a high-need area.
- 2. The Mobile Market Program: Dubbed a "grocery store on wheels," the Mobile Market is crucial for reaching rural and underserved communities across Southern Colorado that lack nearby grocery stores or face significant transportation barriers. This program ensures that fresh produce and refrigerated items reach neighbors who need them most.
- 3. Children's Nutrition Initiative (CNI): CNI is the umbrella for several programs focused on youth. A core component is the Send Hunger Packing school program, which provides children with a bag of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to take home each weekend. Last year alone, they gave out over 12,500 bags. Other CNI programs include School Pantries and the Nourishing School Pantry Program Pilot.
- 4. Cooking Matters: Through a partnership with Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters program, Care and Share provides nutrition education to low-income families. These classes offer hands-on training on how to shop for, prepare, and cook healthy, affordable meals.
- 5. Garden Education Classes: Focused on long-term food stability, the organization offers garden education classes in El Paso and Pueblo Counties. These hands-on activities teach participants how to grow their own food, promoting self-sufficiency and access to fresh produce.
How You Can Directly Impact The 29 Counties Served by Care and Share
The success of Care and Share Food Bank is directly tied to the generosity and commitment of the Southern Colorado community. Whether you live in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or a surrounding county, there are immediate ways to support their critical operations as they navigate the current supply and demand challenges.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and opportunities are available for individuals and groups ages nine and up. The need is constant for help with various tasks, including sorting and organizing donated food, packing for the Mobile Market, and assisting shoppers at the Sunny Side Market locations. This is a chance to see the food bank's operations firsthand and directly contribute to the 285,000 neighbors served.
Specific volunteer roles include:
- Sorting and packing fresh produce and non-perishable food.
- Assisting with Mobile Market packing and distribution.
- Checking-in and checking-out shoppers at the Sunny Side Market.
Financial and Food Donations
While food drives are helpful, financial donations often allow Care and Share to stretch their purchasing power further, enabling them to buy high-demand, high-quality items in bulk. Because of their partnerships with national organizations like Feeding America, a small monetary donation can often secure a significantly larger amount of food than a direct donation from an individual.
If you are planning a food drive, focus on the items most needed by families, such as peanut butter, canned proteins (tuna, chicken), shelf-stable milk, and whole grain pasta. These staples are essential for the School Pantries and the Mobile Market's success.
Stay Informed and Prepared
For volunteers or those seeking assistance, Care and Share maintains a Cold Weather Hotline for updates on closures or operational changes due to severe weather. It is advisable to call (719) 434-3419 by 6 AM on inclement weather days to hear the latest information, ensuring safety for all participants.
The ongoing commitment from the Colorado Springs community is what keeps the regional food bank functioning. By supporting the innovative programs and answering the call for volunteers, residents are directly addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity that affects a significant portion of Southern Colorado's population in 2025.
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