Your guide to where, when and how you can find low-cost food options this fall.
Who Are Routt County Food Security Watchdogs & What Do They Do?
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 come together every other month to discuss how to solve food security gaps in Routt County and work to communicate low-cost food options to our community.
Where is Free or Reduced Cost Food Available this Season in Routt County?
Below is a list of agencies that provide ways to reduce your food costs this fall.
Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church www.heartofsteamboat.com/ 970-879-1290
Open Table Community Dinners
Thursdays from 5-6:30pm
9/14/23 - 4/11/24
736 Oak St.
All are welcome! More info and menu at www.heartofsteamboat.com/opentable
Blessing Box
Available 24/7 to those in need
736 Oak St (under the covered entrance)
Non-perishable food and personal care items
For more info go to www.heartofsteamboat.com/blessingbox
Integrated Community 970-871-4599 www.ciiccolorado.org
Integrated Communities 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
Holy Name Catholic Church 970-879-0671 www.catholicsteamboat.org
Free dinner 5:30-7:30pm Tuesdays beginning September 5th in the new Enrichment Center, 524 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs. All are welcome.
LiftUp of Routt County www.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. Individual 300% FPL is $3,645 per month, and 300% FPL for a family of four is $7,500 per month.
The Grab ‘N Go section in each Food Bank is available to anyone who walks in during our open hours.
Rocket Pack health snacks for children 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.
The hours are as follows:
Steamboat: 2095 Curve Court 970-870-8804 Monday – Friday 12:00-5:00 pm, 1st 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.
Our new building located at 135 6th St is open.
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: T, 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 following Food Classes are offered this fall:
Food Preservation 101-Weds, Sept 13th 4-5pm in the Trout Creek Conference Room 136 6th St. This free class will review basic food preservation methods and safety in home preservation.
Bready for Fall-Saturday, October 14th 10-11:30am (location in Steamboat TBD). This class will have hands-on basic bread making, and we’ll learn about how bread has changed over time and how to get the most from the simplest ingredients. $5 to cover materials.
The Health Partnership 970-875-3630 https://thehealthpartnership.org/care-coordination/
The Health Partnership provides quality care coordination services, at no cost and regardless of immigration status, throughout the Yampa Valley. One of the many ways care coordinators support people is by connecting them with food resources in the community. To access our care coordination services call 970-875-3630, email info@ncchealthpartnership.org, or fill out the request for services form on our website https://thehealthpartnership.org/care-coordination/
Tips for Stretching Your Food Dollars
Have a grocery list ready when you go to the store to avoid impulse buying
Use coupons but only for items that your household will use
Watch for sales on non-perishable items and stock up on them when they are less expensive
Visit the discounted items section of the store for foods close to their expiration date that may be marked down in price
Buy blocks of cheese and shred or slice them at home
Buy frozen vegetables
When shopping, look at the unit price on the price tag that’s on the shelf, it’s usually the price per ounce. Compare brands and make sure you are buying the lowest price per ounce.