Government Shutdown Likely to Double Food Pantry Demand

Oct 30, 2025

GCFP In the News

Two ladies pour green bell peppers into a bin.

Government Shutdown Likely to Double Food Pantry Demand

Dear Friend of the Pantry, 

This past week, I’ve been holding my breath, hoping for a resolution to the government shutdown. Each day it continues, hundreds of our neighbors edge closer to losing vital food assistance through SNAP. As I shared in our last newsletter, the Food Pantry is ready to meet this growing need. Below, you’ll find updated distribution hours and ways you can help us support our community during this critical time.

Gunnison Country Food Pantry: Food Distributions During Government Shutdown

*Services will be updated every two weeks based on community needs and the status of the government shutdown*

 No Cost Grocery Distribution Hours (Nov 3–16):
Mon: 1–4 PM (Extended: 4–8 PM)
Wed: 1–7 PM
Thu: 10 AM–2 PM (Extended: 4–7 PM)
NEW! Sat: 10 AM–2 PM

Will this be your first visit to the Food Pantry? Fill out our client inquiry form before your first visit to help keep waiting times low! GCFP Client Inquiry Form

Gunni Packs for Kids:
Weekend food support for children. Call the Food Pantry to get your child on the delivery route. Routes in Gunnison and Crested Butte. (970) 641-4156

Slots available, sign up today!

Home Deliveries:
Available Tuesdays & Fridays for those with barriers to visiting the Pantry. Call the Food Pantry to discuss eligibility and get on the roster. (970) 641-4156

Need More Help?
The government shutdown hasn’t stopped all services. Meet with our Community Connector when shopping the pantry to explore available resources to you and your household and get help navigating the process.

Holiday Support:
The Food Pantry will be offering Thanksgiving dinner shopping at No Cost Grocery Distributions- Turkeys/Hams/Chickens and sides starting Nov 17-26

The Gunnison Community Thanksgiving is November 27, from 12-3p at the Gunnison Fairgrounds. We are cooking for 600- you and your family are invited!

How to Get Involved

Volunteers Needed!
Extended No Cost Grocery Distributions will require additional volunteers above and beyond the Food Pantry’s current base. Please use this form to let us know when you are available:

Click Me to Volunteer

Help spread the word! Did you know personal referrals and more likely to successfully bring a new guest to the Pantry than radio, newspaper, and social media ads combined? If you suspect a friend, neighbor, family member, or coworker might be experiencing food insecurity – we need you to tell them about the Food Pantry.

Donate Food or Financial Resources
Help us meet urgent needs during the government shutdown.

 The Food Pantry is especially in need of:
Healthy cereals
Pasta sauce
Refried beans
Tortillas
Culturally Diverse foods (beans, spices, maze)
Canned corn & potatoes
Frozen and canned meats (high demand)
Visit our Amazon Wishlist

GCFP is open for donation drop offs during the following hours:
Monday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. -2 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Prefer to give financially?
Donate financially below:
Mail a check to PO BOX 7077, Gunnison CO 81230
Stop in at the Food Pantry during open hours at 114 S 14th St, Gunnison

Thank you for reading. Thank you for your support. We could not do this without you.

We are in this together,

Jodi Payne
Executive Director
Gunnison Country Food Pantry
Need Food? Click Me!;
970-641-4156
114 S 14th St, Gunnison CO 81230
PO Box 7077, Gunnison CO 81230

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