Food Security Fund

The DPS Foundation Food Security Fund removes barriers so students can thrive by providing flexible food assistance to students and families across Denver Public Schools who experience food insecurity.

Geographic Scope: Denver Public Schools, Colorado

Focus Areas:

• Food insecurity relief
• Direct support to families and students
• School-based food pantries
• Community Hub food access

What They Fund:

• Grocery gift cards (most common request)
• School-based food pantries
• Food access through Community Hubs
• Flexible, immediate food assistance resources

Background:

• Originally launched in 2020 during pandemic
• Reactivated October 31, 2025, to respond to urgent food access needs
• Initial response (Oct-Nov 2025): Raised more than $150,000
• $185,095 awarded directly to school communities (combining new donations with existing resources)
• 2,649 gift cards distributed to families
• 55 schools received funding with 100% of requesting schools funded
• 71% of schools received full funding requests
• Support delivered in average of 5.2 business days
• Context: 62.8% of DPS students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch
• Schools submitted more than $350,976 in food support requests during 2025 crisis response
• Schools cite gift cards as most effective way to support families—offering both flexibility and dignity

Recent Impact (Oct-Nov 2025):

• Schools Supported: 55 schools (100% received funding)
• Direct Support: 2,649 gift cards distributed
• Average Turnaround: 5.2 business days from application to funds received