The DPS Foundation Food Security Fund
Removing Barriers So Students Can Thrive
The Impact
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Denver Public Schools Foundation Food Security Fund raised more than $150,000 to support students and families across Denver Public Schools who experienced food insecurity.
These funds were distributed directly to Denver Public Schools to provide timely, flexible food assistance during a period of heightened need. Support included grocery gift cards, restocking school-based food pantries, and food access through Community Hubs, ensuring families could access essential resources.
Thank you. Together, we strengthened school communities and helped ensure food insecurity did not stand in the way of student learning and well-being.
Discover the impact of the Food Security Fund and the DPS Community Hubs.
Responding to Urgent Needs
Originally launched in 2020 to support families during the pandemic, the Food Security Fund was reactivated on October 31, 2025, to respond to urgent food access needs facing students and families across the district. DPS schools submitted more than $350,976 in requests for food support as families faced rising costs, benefit delays, and ongoing economic challenges. With 62.8% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, these requests reflected an urgent need for flexible, immediate resources that schools could use to support families right away. Through the Food Security Fund, the DPS Foundation was able to respond quickly by directing resources to schools and Community Hubs, ensuring support reached families when needs were most urgent.
The Growing Need in Our Schools
Since the end of October, Denver Public Schools experienced a sharp increase in requests for food assistance. During this period, 55 schools requested Food Security Fund support.
While demand exceeded available resources, 100% of schools that requested support received funding, with 60% of schools receiving full funding. From application to funds received, support was delivered in an average of 5.2 business days, enabling schools to respond quickly to immediate needs.
The most common request was grocery gift cards. Schools consistently identified gift cards as one of the most effective ways to support families — offering both flexibility and dignity.
Making an Immediate Impact
To help launch this response, the DPS Foundation made an initial $20,000 contribution to the Food Security Fund. Through this effort, Denver Public Schools and Community Hubs were able to distribute grocery gift cards to families experiencing food insecurity, support school-based food pantries and expand access to nutritious food. This support made a tangible difference, ensuring shelves were stocked and families had access to what they needed most.
The Impact by the Numbers: The need across our district was significant, and your support allowed us to bridge the gap for thousands of families:
- Schools Supported: 55 schools requested help, with 100% (55/55) received funding.
- Total Impact: $185,095 awarded directly to school communities, by combining new donations with existing resources as a way to expand our reach and ability to support families in this way.
- Direct Support: 2,649 gift cards were purchased, putting the power of choice directly into the hands of families.
- Fulfilling the Need: 71% of schools received their full funding request.
Hear what people are saying about the impact
Continue supporting the Denver Public Schools Foundation’s work to remove barriers and help students thrive — in school and in life.
Media Highlights
Sharing the Story of Impact
The work of the Food Security Fund has captured attention across Denver and beyond. See how local media have helped tell the story of the Food Security Fund and its impact across Denver Public Schools.
November 11, 2025
