We believe that food is the barest minimum need to survive, and when hunger is what you live with every day, the impact is incredible to all aspects of life. We also believe that we can end hunger, and we are starting right here in Routt County.
In Routt, County, 11% of our neighbors live in poverty. That means, over 2,600 neighbors in Routt County could go to bed hungry tonight.
One of LiftUp’s biggest priorities is ending hunger here in Routt County. We focus the majority of our time, energy, and resources finding and serving these neighbors.
Our Case Workers appreciate your patience and will respond to inquiries and requests within 48 hours. Case Workers do not respond on Saturday, Sunday or on federal holidays, thank you!
Please review the application AND the Client Document Checklist. Submit your application and required documentation to caseworker@liftuprc.org. If email is not possible, hard copies may be delivered in person to one of our Food Banks during hours of operation.
If you have questions please reach out. We are here to help!
Email: caseworker@liftuprc.org
Phone: 970-870-8804
Do I qualify for services (food, financial, or basic needs)?
LiftUp serves Routt county residents wih an income of 300% or less of the Federal Poverty Level. Review the LiftUp Guidelines column below as a first step in determining if you can apply for assistance.
What if I don't qualify? Can I still get assistance?
Anyone can access our Grab-n-Go food section daily in the front of our Food Banks during open hours without registering with LiftUp or showing an ID. If you are in need of basic items such as a warm coat, a pair of shoes, etc. you can come to the Food Banks to receive a one-time voucher for the Thrift Store to get the specific items listed on the voucher.
How often can I shop for food?
Food Bank clients can shop once per month for general groceries, and twice per month for fresh produce. Additionally, anyone can access our Grab-n-Go section in the front of our Food Banks during our open hours without registering with LiftUp or showing an ID.
What if I can't come shop in person? Can someone else pick up food for me?
You can assign a designated person (proxy) to shop for you at the Food Banks. Below please find the application and information required to become a Food Bank proxy.
Food Bank & Financial Assistance Application
In 2022, we distributed 256,934 pounds of grocery items, 2,985 boxes of USDA food staples and provided 152,143 snacks to children through our Rocket Pack Program.
We strive to serve healthy, quality food to our neighbors. The vast majority of that food is donated from generous neighbors, and we constructed our Community Garden & Greenhouse in 2018 to grow our own produce.
As part of ending hunger in our community, we engage all of our resources in many other ways:
- Grocery & Restaurant Rescue - local stores & restaurants generously donate food that is close to expiration. In 2022 we accepted 80,387 pounds through this program.
- Greenhouse - we believe wholeheartedly everyone deserves fresh, healthy food… so we are growing it ourselves! In 2022, we harvested 181 pounds of produce from our greenhouse.
- Community Meals - we work with several organizations to serve meals to our neighbors.
- Sustainability studies in partnership with YVSC - In partnership with the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council we are examining our waste streams as an attempt to document our partnerships with local ranchers and farmers in an effort to minimize the flow of organic food waste to local landfills. I recently was a panelist in a discussion at CMC where local experts shared thoughts on sustainability and agriculture in the Yampa Valley, representing LiftUp.
- Organic Waste Stream Management - We work closely with local ranchers and with Elkstone Farm to turn our food waste into animal food, mushroom growth medium, and compost. We study the effects of this in partnership with YVSC.
Need additional resources for assistance? Look here: Routt County | The Health Partnership Serving Northwest Colorado
CO Department of Human Services & USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Because the Colorado Department of Human Services administers U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, it is required to follow various USDA rules and regulations. Institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are required to display the appropriate “And Justice for All” poster in their facilities where it can be viewed by customers.
All "And Justice for All" posters may not be reproduced or published in any way. This means that agencies may only post the authorized poster received from our office or their regional food bank.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs, are prohibited from discriminating based various factors. You can read the USDA's full nondiscrimination statement in English and Spanish by clicking this link: USDA Non-discrimination statement.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.