Longmont is extending its Community Meals Program through March, providing free groceries for youth and families facing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program, offering weekly groceries at three city sites, is run by Friends of Longmont Youth in partnership with the Longmont Youth Center, Community Food Share, Longmont Food Rescue and Weld Food Bank.

The grant-funded program has provided Longmont residents with more than 75,000 pounds of produce, proteins, pasta, rice, snacks and other food items since June.

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“The need for food support continues to be an issue for many Longmont families,” said Meca Delgado, treasurer of Friends of Longmont Youth. “Families are still facing unemployment, bills are still piling up, and this food goes a long way in alleviating both hunger and financial strain.”

The program has no income limitations and participants do not need to register to receive food. Both drive-up and walk-up services are available at distribution sites.

Groceries are given away every Monday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Emery Street Apartments, every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at River Valley Mobile Home Park and every Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Cloverbasin Village.

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Distribution sites also provide resources for employment, housing, childcare and mental health support.

Distributions may be rescheduled due to weather and/or holidays. Additional information and updated schedules are available at longmontcolorado.gov/food.

Anyone with questions about the Community Meals Program is asked to contact Kyl Caragol at [email protected] or 303-774-3770.