This page is about surviving hunger today and building more stable food options over time:
free meals, mutual aid, pantries, and programs like EBT/SNAP.
If you’re hungry right now, that doesn’t mean you did something wrong.
The system is rough. This is about ways to get calories in your body
without shame or a pile of paperwork.
Mutual aid & community meals
Boulder Food Not Bombs
Mutual aid groups like Boulder Food Not Bombs cook and share food because
they believe nobody should be hungry, not because they’re chasing grants.
Food is usually good quality, often cooked with care.
No long forms or “prove your need” vibe – you just eat.
People are treated like neighbors, not case numbers.
Ask around at the shelter or from other unhoused folks for current days/times.
When you see them serving, let yourself eat. That’s what it’s for.
Meal programs & hot food
Day-to-day survival
Boulder has a mix of faith-based and nonprofit meal programs.
Times and locations change, so think of this as a pattern:
Check posted schedules at All Roads and day services for meals.
Ask staff for a current “meal calendar” if they have one.
Some places serve breakfast, some lunch, some dinner – take photos of signs.
When you find a place that treats you well, remember the days they serve.
Screenshot or photo any schedule you see. Your phone can be your memory.
Food pantries & groceries
Take-home food
Pantries can help you stretch things between hot meals. Even with limited storage,
a few shelf-stable items can make a difference.
Look for pantries that don’t require a lot of paperwork.
Ask if they have ready-to-eat items that don’t need a kitchen.
Cans with pop-tops, peanut butter, tortillas, and snacks are easier outside.
Some pantries let you come once a week or once a month – ask how often.
Bring a backpack or bag if you can; some spots may have bags, some may not.
SNAP/EBT – longer-term help
Helps you buy your own food
SNAP (EBT) is money for food on a card. It won’t solve everything, but it lets you
buy what works for you instead of only eating at set places.
Applications usually go through Colorado PEAK or county human services.
You do not need a traditional lease to apply – talk to staff about your situation.
Tell them you’re homeless or unstably housed so they understand your reality.
Keep your EBT card and PIN safe – treat it like cash.
Shelter or case managers can often help with applications if the online forms are overwhelming.
