In response to ongoing and increased food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friends of Longmont Youth (FLY) has recently extended its free grocery program at 1440 Emery Street through May of 2021. In partnership with the Longmont Youth Center, Community Food Share, and Longmont Food Rescue, the grocery program has supplied over 100,000 pounds of produce, proteins, pastas, rice, snacks, and other nutritious items since June of 2020.
“While we’ve seen some communities recover, the need for nutritious food is still very high,” said Meca Delgado, Treasurer of the board of FLY. “We are pleased to be able to continue the grocery program and help fill this need in the community.”
Groceries are offered at 1440 Emery Street on Mondays from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. To reduce barriers to accessing food, individuals and families do not need to register for the program in order to participate, and there are no income qualifications.
Community members are welcomed and encouraged to pick up additional food for friends, family, and neighbors who are homebound or who work during distribution times. Drive-up and walk-up services are available. FLY and its community partners follow COVID-19 safety protocols at all locations and require participants to wear masks per County and State health guidelines.
The Community Meal and Grocery Program offers food at no cost to youth and families in Longmont during this time of economic uncertainty. Pre-packaged groceries are made available weekly, and families can also access services and resources related to employment, housing, childcare, and mental health supports.
Please note that distributions may be rescheduled due to weather and/or Federal Holidays. Additional information and updated schedules can be found by visiting their website at www.longmontcolorado.gov/food or by calling (303) 774-3770.