LIFT-UP discontinues drive-thru food distribution, limits pantry visits
Chelsea Self/Post Independent
Starting March 1, local food assistance nonprofit LIFT-UP has cut drive-thru food distribution, limited pantry visits and made other operational changes to conserve funds while donations drop and demand rises, according to a Friday news release.
LIFT-UP has combated food insecurity from Parachute to Aspen since 1982, offering mobile food distribution services, free meals through the Extended Table soup kitchen and maintaining food pantries in Aspen, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle and Parachute.
The number of community members LIFT-UP serves has almost quintupled over the past three years while donations have declined, according to an informational meeting with members of the press in January.
To decrease operating costs, LIFT-UP has altered several services, mainly discontinuing programs meant to support social distancing during COVID-19, according to the release.
Drive-thru food distributions have been discontinued, 72-Hour Food Bags, Senior Boxes and the Wee Cycle Diaper Program are now only available for pickup and visits to food pantries are limited to one visit per family each week.
The changes have allowed LIFT-UP to extend its pantry hours, according to the release. Each pantry location will now be open at least six hours each week. Combined, the nonprofit’s multiple pantries will provide food access to those in need for 39 hours each week.
“LIFT-UP’s focus on operational efficiency ensures that our staff, financial resources, and volunteers are dedicated to addressing the community’s most critical needs while staying true to our mission,” the release states. “Our top priority is ensuring LIFT-UP continues to provide reliable, high-quality, and consistent food access to community members from Parachute to Aspen.”
Find the exact locations of LIFT-UP’s food pantries at liftup.org/calendar/.
Updated Food Pantry Operating Hours:
Monday: Carbondale: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Parachute: 3-6 p.m.
Tuesday: Rifle: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glenwood Springs: 1–4 p.m., Aspen: 2–6 p.m.
Wednesday: New Castle: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Carbondale: 3-6 p.m., Aspen: 10 a.m. to noon
Thursday: Parachute: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glenwood Springs: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Friday: New Castle: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rifle: 1-4 p.m., Silt: 2–6 p.m
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