Gunnison Country Food Pantry

The roots of Gunnison Country Food Pantry (GCFP) date back to 1962, when food stamps were first introduced. In 2006, GCFP gained its non-profit status and has been assisting those with food insecurity and reaches those-in-need with four distinct programs: General Food Distribution, Food for Older Adults, Food for Children, and Outreach Efforts. 

Between 2019 and 2022 there has been a 124% increase in those seeking food assistance. The Pantry provided the following services to the Community in 2022:  

• GCFP provided food assistance to 1,794 persons: 24% children 0-17; 65% adults 18-59; 11% adults 60+. 
• For children, 60,898 healthy snacks and 496 Gunni-Packs were distributed. 
• 91 Emergency Boxes were distributed. 
• The Mobile Pantry (distribution of fresh food) was used 558 times. 

The need continues, in just the first half of 2023, the Pantry has provided food assistance to nearly as many individuals as in 2022. Like other resort communities, Gunnison County has a significant working class and transitory population. The last government census (2019) showed Gunnison County’s median household income was 33% lower than the state’s, 13% of residents live below the federal poverty line, and 30-45% of residents live below the Self-Sufficiency standard. 

Of the 1,956 households who qualify in Gunnison Country, only 32% are enrolled in SNAP, which ranks below the state average in the county program access index. Drastic national trends of inflation in food prices, gas, and housing mean that more and more people are expected to require food assistance to sustain themselves in the years to come.