Colorado Resources to Access Food & Help and Summer Reading Programs for Children
April 17, 2025

Summer in Colorado is full of adventure, but for some children and teenagers, it also means losing access to school meals and support systems.
That’s why community resources are so important to ensure that all children have access to nutritious food, mental health support, and opportunities to keep learning.
Below you can find both generalized resources that offer a variety of supports to young people throughout the summer as well as summer reading programs that challenge children and teenagers to read. Summer reading programs not only stretch young minds but also open doors to new worlds, keeping youth engaged and curious.
This guide highlights essential food assistance programs and exciting summer reading opportunities to help families make the most of the season.
For more resources to ensure your child or teenager has a great summer, visit and download our Summer Resource Guide.
Food Resources
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Location: Throughout Colorado
When: All summer
About: The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free breakfast, lunch, snack, and/or early dinner to Colorado youth 18 and under throughout the summer. These free meals are offered at a wide range of partnering sites throughout the state including public and private nonprofits, non-residential camps, public or private colleges and more. Visit their webpage for more information.
Hunger Free Colorado
Location: Throughout Colorado
Contact Info: (855) 855-4626
About: Hunger Free Colorado links individuals to food resources to address immediate needs while advocating for policy changes to eliminate hunger. To find resources available in Colorado communities during the summer, visit their website or give them a call.
Food Bank of the Rockies
Location: Throughout Colorado
When: All year
About: The Food Bank of the Rockies ensures Coloradans have access to nutritious food. They operate sites all over the state, so visit their pantry locator website to learn more about a location near you.
No Kid Hungry
Location: Throughout Colorado
When: All year
About: No Kid Hungry works to ensure that children across the United States have access to nutritious food throughout the year. They have a special program in the summer to make sure that as schools close their doors, children’s meals don’t get cut off. This program offers grocery cards to families with children to use over the summer. It also supports summer meals sites throughout the state. Visit their website to learn more.
General Assistance & Resource Finders for Coloradans
211 Colorado
Location: Throughout Colorado
Contact Info: Dial 2-1-1 or (866) 760-6489
About: 211 is a confidential, free, and multilingual service that provides information and referrals, connecting individuals to vital services and resources 24/7, both online and by phone.
FindHelp
Location: Throughout Colorado
About: FindHelp lets you search by zip code to discover free or low-cost resources, including food, housing, financial assistance, healthcare, and more.
Summer Reading Programs for Children & Youth
Library Programs
Location: Library districts throughout Colorado
When: Throughout the summer
About: Library districts throughout Colorado offer summer reading programs that encourage children and teenagers to read and connect with others about the books they enjoy. Most libraries offer various prizes, events, and ways to participate. Check your local library to learn more.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Location: Your local Barnes & Noble
When: July and August
About: Barnes & Noble offers students in first through sixth grades the opportunity to earn free books simply by reading a designated number of books and sharing about them in a reading journal. Visit your nearest Barnes & Noble to learn more.
Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base
Location: Virtual
When: May 9 -September 12
About: Parents and caregivers can set their children up on the Scholastic app, Home Base, which allows young readers to join a community of readers to share about their favorite books, attend author events, interact with their favorite characters, play book-based games and more! In the Summer Zone part of the app, they can also track their summer reading. The app will note and celebrate those who maintain a reading streak. This app is moderated for safety 24/7.
The Colorado Rapids Summer Reading Program
Location: Denver
When: Throughout the summer
About: Does your child love soccer? They’re in luck! The Colorado Rapids offer Colorado kids the chance to participate in their local library district’s reading program and receive complimentary tickets to Rapids games as a prize. Family and friends of the reader can receive discounted tickets as well.