Q: What is the Nederland Food Pantry, Community Gardens & Clothing Closet, and how is it funded?

A: The Nederland Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing food, clothing, essential items, and resource assistance to the Peak to Peak community. Our programs are supported through a combination of grants and donations from individuals and businesses. Our top local contributors include Mountain People’s Co-Op, offering a monthly $200 credit for food staples; Mountain Girl Pickles, making regular donations of jarred pickled foods; and The Shop, providing support to our Clothing Closet. Businesses such as Mountain-Girl Tees, Dam Liquors, Peak Wine & Spirits, and Train Cars Coffee & Kava provide donation jars at their locations.

A large part of our funding comes from the Food Pantry Assistance Grant (FPAG), funded through Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, which allows us to purchase nutrient-rich foods from local farmers and ranchers. We also receive support from Boulder County Health & Human Services, Community Foundation Boulder County, AV Hunter Foundation, ARPA-R, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), Town of Nederland, and Mountain Forum for Peace.

Q: Where does the food come from, and what kind of items are available each week?

A: Our food inventory is sourced through our membership with Community Food Share, where we receive a wide range of items including canned goods, shelf-stable items, milk, meats, and essential supplies. The pantry has a “specialty foods” shelf that is stocked with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options. The NFP gardens yielded a substantial amount of fresh produce in 2023, and we received generous donations from local farmers, Victory Gardens and Growing Gardens in Boulder. We were able to provide lettuce, beets, carrots, onions, squash, and tomatoes, among other vegetables. The remaining portion of our food inventory is purchased through local distributors and stores.

We are incredibly grateful for the financial support provided to us through grants and donations - we wouldn’t be here without them.

Q: How does the Nederland Food Pantry manage its day-to-day operations, and who helps make it all happen?

A: We couldn’t do this without our volunteers. From distribution and deliveries to stocking the pantry shelves and organizing and sorting the clothes for the Clothing Closet, these dedicated individuals are the backbone of our organization. Their commitment to showing up no matter the weather, allows us to continue to operate smoothly and consistently.

The NFP newsletter highlights a volunteer monthly. We kicked off the new year celebrating Ressa Lively-Smith because of her commitment and continuous contributions to our pantry since its inception. Ressa, like all of our volunteers, demonstrates an impressive amount of compassion and dedication towards our community. They are far more deserving than the small recognition and appreciation given here.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for always showing up for our community!

Q: Who are the individuals leading the Nederland Food Pantry, and how are they involved?

A: Our Board Members are all volunteers who invest significant amounts of time and effort in various aspects of our organization. Adi Wabisabi - President/Technology/ Fundraising/Finances, Nicole Cavalino - Vice President/Fundraising + Grants, Annette Trufeldt-Franck - Secretary/Clothing Closet Coordinator , Tom Mahowald - Interim Treasurer, Kasey Ryan - At Large, John Callahan and Tim Dillon as Client Liaisons. We are quite proud of the board members we have standing behind the pantry. Their time and effort make this pantry what it is, and we couldn’t do it without them!

Q: Tell us more about the hardworking staff at the Nederland Food Pantry.

A: At the Nederland Food Pantry, our devoted staff works hard to make sure that our community has what they need. Betty Abel, our Deputy Executive Director, provides grant writing, fundraising, financial management and oversees general operations. Kendra Trauth, our hands-on Pantry & Garden Manager, manages the pantry and community gardens, works closely with and manages volunteers, purchases food for our clients, and is leading our Zero Waste Project. Kaelan Bradley, our Community Liaison, plays an important role in assisting community members with basic needs resource navigation, SNAP, Medicaid, and financial aid, ensuring everyone in our community has the support they need. Tad Miller, our Food Procurement Driver, braves all weather to pick up and deliver the food that lines the shelves of our pantry. This dedicated team works really hard to create a warm and supportive environment for all who visit.

Q: How can community members get involved and support the Nederland Food Pantry?

A: We welcome community involvement! Whether through volunteering, hosting fundraising events or making clothing, food and financial donations, there are various ways for individuals and businesses to contribute. All donations are tax-deductible. Contact Betty Abel to learn more betty@nederlandfoodpantry.org

Q: How does the Nederland Food Pantry collaborate with local businesses and organizations?

A: We work with local businesses, schools, and organizations to help us to provide a better service to our community. Various local establishments, such as Dam Liquors, Mountain Goat Tees, Peak Wine & Spirits, and Train Cars Coffee & Kava, host donation jars, with opportunities for others to join. Ace Hardware contributes through annual round-up donations at their registers, while Train Cars hosts Peak Vibes, a fundraising event. Busey Brews supports us with Trivia Night, and Very Nice hosts our volunteer appreciation night and events like Taste of the Peaks. Mountain Goat Tees consistently finds innovative ways to support our pantry.

These collaborations are the key to our success. If your business is interested in partnering with us, please reach out to discuss your ideas.

Q: Where is the NFP, what are the hours of opportunity?

A: Nederland Food Pantry is currently located in the west wing of the Nederland Community Center. Our hours of operation are Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 - 3 and Saturday from 10-12.

Q: Is the Nederland Food Pantry moving to a new location?

A: Yes! To meet the growing needs of our community, the Nederland Food Pantry, Community Clothing Closet and gardens will be moving to a new location in 2024. We plan to celebrate our new home and our community in late-Spring. More details coming soon!

Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations and individuals who support us - we are incredibly grateful and are honored to have you as a part of our community.

We hope this FAQ provides a better understanding of the Nederland Food Pantry, Community Gardens & Clothing Closet.

If you have more questions or want to get involved email: Betty Abel at Betty@NederlandFoodPantry.org.

“If everyone gives a little, everyone can thrive!”

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