Several other walk-in food banks provide help to people in need in the Denver area. East Denver FISH is one of the only food banks that delivers emergency groceries to people without transportation or who are homebound. In 2020, FISH delivered groceries to 889 households, totaling more than 2,000 people, including children and seniors. FISH of East Denver is an entirely volunteer organization. Ove
r 40 volunteers make it work, donating their time, effort and energy. Our volunteers range in age from 16 to 93. They can be found doing any of the following: purchasing and/or picking up food, stocking shelves, taking calls from clients, bagging groceries, delivering groceries, educating the public about our organization, and checking with area grocery stores and bakeries for available donations. What does FISH provide? Our goal is to provide enough food for two or three days’ worth of meals depending on family size and available pantry supplies. Priorities include nutritious and kid-friendly food and items for balanced meals. We also try to give personal items such as toilet paper, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, etc. when available and on request. In addition, our volunteers provide information about other organizations that supply help. Some of our clients have included:
A gentleman with a broken foot, out of work and currently residing in an East Colfax motel who greeted our FISH volunteer slowly, having to take his time maneuvering on crutches. This same gentleman gifted our driver with a kiss on the hand and his heartfelt thanks for the much needed food. Another client, confined to a hospital bed in her living room, greeted our driver with a cheerful, "Come in! I'm so glad you're here and I'm so happy that you're on my team!" We routinely find homes empty of food, and clients with children who are hungry. Drivers regularly hear "God bless you" as they make deliveries to grateful clients.
