How BGOLDN is preparing for the increased need during the summer months
For many students, summer break means sunshine, vacations, and time away from the classroom. But for families experiencing food insecurity, summer can also bring added stress and uncertainty.
During the school year, many students rely on free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs, as well as BGOLDN’s Nourishing Success School Program, to help meet their daily nutritional needs. When school lets out for the summer, those consistent food resources disappear—just as grocery costs, childcare expenses, and utility bills continue to rise.
At BGOLDN, we see this seasonal shift every year. Families who were already stretching tight budgets suddenly need to provide additional meals and snacks each day while children are home from school. For many households, that extra financial pressure can be overwhelming.
This year, the need is even greater.
Rising costs for housing, groceries, gas, and utilities continue to impact local families, and recent changes to SNAP requirements are creating additional uncertainty for some neighbors. As a result, BGOLDN anticipates increased demand across our Fresh Food Pantry, Grocery Home Delivery Program, and children’s food support efforts throughout the summer months.
Through our Fresh Food Pantry and Grocery Home Delivery Program, BGOLDN helps ensure families continue to have access to fresh produce, dairy, eggs, protein, and other nutritious staples during this critical time of year.
While hunger may become less visible during the summer months, the need does not disappear.
That’s why BGOLDN’s End Summer Hunger Campaign is so important.
Community support during the summer helps ensure pantry shelves remain stocked and families continue to have access to healthy, reliable food when school-based resources are paused.
💛 How You Can Help This Summer 💛
There are many ways to support neighbors facing food insecurity this summer:
Make a financial gift to help BGOLDN purchase fresh, nutritious food for families and children.
Volunteer with BGOLDNby helping stock shelves, pack groceries, or assist with deliveries.
Host a summer food drive with your neighborhood, workplace, or community group.
Donate fresh produce from your garden or canned fruits and veggies to help provide healthy options for local families.
Spread the word about BGOLDN’s End Summer Hunger Campaign and the increased need during summer months.
Together, we can help ensure that every child and family in our community has access to nourishing food all summer long.
Volunteer Spotlight: Melinda Cox
For BGOLDN Board Member and volunteer Melinda Cox, serving the community has been a lifelong passion.
Melinda joined BGOLDN’s Board of Directors in 2019 after retiring from a long career in social work with the Department of Human Services. Her passion for volunteering and supporting neighbors in need began early in life, shaped by her parents’ example of giving back to the community.
“Volunteering and advocating for those in need became a passion for me,” Melinda shared. “I love being involved in our Golden community, especially in giving back and serving those in need.”
Melinda’s impact can be felt throughout BGOLDN’s programs. Whether she is delivering school snacks, bringing food boxes to families, shopping for pantry guests, or helping rescue donated food from local grocery stores, she approaches every task with compassion and joy.
Melinda also understands the growing importance of BGOLDN’s mission. As food insecurity continues to rise and assistance programs face increasing strain, she believes community support is more important than ever.
“A hungry brain cannot flourish, learn, or retain information,” she explained. “The needs are truly increasing, and resources are becoming more scarce—not only in Golden, but everywhere.”
She hopes more community members will consider getting involved and experiencing the many rewards of volunteering firsthand.
“Volunteering for BGOLDN provides a wonderful opportunity to make a direct difference,” Melinda said. “It builds community connection, supports our neighbors, and reminds us how important it is to care for one another.”
Thank you, Melinda, for your leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the BGOLDN community.
Join the BGOLDN Marketing Team
BGOLDN is looking for a volunteer graphic designer to join our Marketing Team! If you have a background in graphic design, are a Canva expert, and enjoy helping create engaging graphics that support our mission, we’d love to connect. This is a volunteer-only opportunity to use your talents to make a meaningful impact in our community. Interested in learning more? Email hello@bgoldn.org 💛
Join Us This Summer
Ice Cream Socials
Join the First Presbyterian Church during the “Golden Super Cruise” in the evening of the first Saturday of every month all summer long.
First Presbyterian Church will be hosting ice cream socials on June 6, July 4, August 1 and September 5 with all donations benefiting BGOLDN.
Learn how you can help bring an end to summer hunger and stock up on your BGOLDN apparel!
Ways to Support BGOLDN
Show your support for BGOLDN and spread the love in your community by rocking a BGOLDN hat! Each purchase helps us continue our mission to fight food insecurity and provide essential resources to local families. Purchase your hat at Bob’s Atomic Burgers any time you feel hungry! Wear your hat with pride and be a part of the movement to make a difference in Golden.
🥫 Canned Fruits and Veggies Needed
BGOLDN is currently in need of donations of canned fruits and vegetables to help support local families experiencing food insecurity. Shelf-stable items like canned corn, green beans, peaches, pears, and mixed vegetables help provide nutritious options for neighbors in our community.
Donations can be dropped off at BGOLDN during pantry hours. Every can helps nourish a family. 💛
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