Gunnison Country Food Pantry

The mission of Gunnison Country Food Pantry (GCFP) is to serve those in need by providing food assistance in a kind, confidential, and supportive environment. While some form of the Pantry has been around since 1962, it really came into its own in 2006 when GCFP gained its non-profit status. 

Since then, the Pantry, its services and the number of those it serves has grown exponentially. In 2022, GCFP moved to a new location with much bigger and better facilities. The move couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. In recent years, the Pantry has seen a massive rise in demand. Simultaneously, the cost of services has skyrocketed. Between 2020 and 2023, the Pantry observed a 20% increase in individuals seeking assistance. Meanwhile, the Pantry is spending nearly four times the amount per visit. In 2020, the Pantry spent an average of $2.25 per visit. Last year, this number rose to $8.15.

Resources and programming that go towards fulfilling this mission are broad. Core expenses include facility upkeep, staffing and food purchasing. 

GCFP provides low-barrier food access within the community by providing the following services, all of which fall under the organization’s direct food expenses:   

1. No Cost Grocery Distribution – Where guests "Shop the Pantry" in the Pantry's conveniently- located and ADA-compliant facility in the City of Gunnison on Mondays and Wednesdays for fresh food (fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, meat) and basic pantry staples. Thursdays cater to adults 60+, and language translators are on-site to help as needed. Home Deliveries - Food bundles are delivered weekly to households that are unable to shop the pantry in person. Guests are offered diverse food options based on cooking ability, health needs, individual reference, and storage capacity.  
2. Food on the Move – Emergency Boxes, packed and distributed by GCFP, contain a variety of non-perishable food items. 26 community organizations then help to distribute them throughout Gunnison County. A Fresh Mobile Pantry also serves neighborhoods-in-need May-November.   
3. Food for Children – Gunni-Packs are delivered weekly to children's homes. "Healthy Snacks" are delivered monthly to every school in the county, the library, and after-school programs.  

The Pantry provided the following services to the community in 2023:  

• GCFP provided food assistance to 2,185 persons: 512 children 0-17; 1,422 adults 18-59; 251 adults 60+. 
• 52,286 healthy snacks and 1,247 Gunni-Packs were distributed to children 
• 115 households received Emergency Boxes 
• Guests received food 972 times through the Fresh Mobile Pantry