Prioritizing dignity and care, Community Table creates a stigma-free environment where individuals have access to a variety of food programs, human services, and financial assistance. King Soopers has supported this organization through the Fight Hunger bag program.
Tell us about Community Table.
Community Table began formally in 1982 as the Arvada Food Bank. It was established by a concerned group of church members from various churches in Arvada who witnessed food insecurity within our community. As our organization expanded, we broadened our scope beyond providing food to include financial assistance and human services. Through these programs, we aim to empower our families to achieve self-sufficiency.
With the introduction of these new services, we underwent a rebranding process in 2014 and changed our name to Community Table. Initially, we anticipated operating for two to five years and then closing once food insecurity was eradicated. However, that scenario has not come to pass.
Now, after 42 years of service, we continue to serve the community. Our reach has extended beyond Arvada to encompass the entire northern metropolitan area, including Denver, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and other smaller communities.
Despite our extended reach, our staff remains modest, comprising only 13 individuals. Our ability to provide essential services is greatly strengthened by our dedicated volunteers. Annually, we are supported by over 300 volunteers who assist us in our mission. Nevertheless, in comparison to similar organizations, our staff size remains relatively small.
Our ability to provide essential services is greatly strengthened by our dedicated volunteers.
What services do you provide to the community?
We have four distinct food programs. First, our Client Choice Food Store is stocked with both perishable and nonperishable items, including fresh eggs, milk, meat, canned goods, and produce. Families have the freedom to select items based on their preferences, reducing food waste.
Secondly, we provide a sack of nutritious food for children on weekends, especially during school breaks when food resources may be limited. These sacks contain fresh produce, canned goods, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. We also distribute weekend bags to high school students who may be unsheltered or food insecure.
Our third program is our mobile pantry service, which delivers food to members who are unable to visit us in person due to health reasons. Additionally, we collaborate with Project Dash to facilitate food box deliveries.
Our newest program provides unsheltered community members with daily sacks of food, including fresh produce and canned goods, along with personal care items like shampoo and soap, distributed twice a month.
In addition to our food programs, we offer human services. This includes specific financial assistance programs for rent, deposits, medical copays, transportation, and other necessities, aimed at preventing homelessness and supporting those in need during financial crises.
We also operate a GED program with 13 enrolled students. The GED testing process has become more rigorous and we provide support by covering the cost of books and testing. Volunteer tutors and local restaurants contribute by providing meals during Thursday tutoring sessions. Students receive incentives such as $25 gift cards for each GED test passed and a $100 gift card upon completing the series of tests. We also host a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
We have established partnerships within the community to enhance our services. For example, one partner assists with obtaining driver’s licenses, while another offers free laundry services for our clients. We are also introducing a shower truck to provide hot showers and distribute new socks, underwear, and personal care items. Additionally, we have a mental health kiosk where clients can privately consult with a mental health provider.
Our partnerships are integral to our operations, allowing us to expand our service offerings and better serve our community through collaborative efforts with other nonprofit organizations.
What sets Community Table apart from other hunger organizations in your community?
At Community Table, we strive to cultivate a stigma-free environment to empower individuals and guide them toward a brighter future. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to fostering a dignified atmosphere for all clients. We understand that seeking assistance can be challenging, especially for those experiencing hardship for the first time. Therefore, we greet everyone with warmth and sincerity, offering our support without judgment. Dignity is at the core of our mission.
Dignity is at the core of our mission.
Please tell us a story that illustrates the good work of your organization.
After investing many hours with volunteer tutors to prepare for and take the test, one of our clients has successfully passed all four of the GED tests and has become our first graduate. On April 4th, we hosted a graduation ceremony, complete with cap and gown. The beauty of this story lies in the fact that this particular graduate already has a job lined up with a welding firm. All they needed was a GED to take that next step.
This success story speaks volumes about the transformative potential of our program and the dignity and respect we aim to extend to our clients. Our staff and volunteers are thrilled to support our clients and witness their growth.
We are inspired to see several former clients return to support us, whether through donations of food or financial contributions. They are eager to pay it forward and assist others who are in need, just as they once were.
What is your most outstanding achievement or contribution to the community?
We are proud to have distributed 1.6 million pounds of food last year, reaching over 100,000 individuals. Through our Feeding the Future Backpack Program, we provided 17,376 sacks of food to children.
What do you want people to know about Community Table?
At Community Table, we are dedicated to combating food insecurity through compassion, collaboration, and community involvement. We engage with churches, businesses, schools, and the broader community to foster participation. The generous donations we receive from this caring community enable us to deliver our services with compassion and dignity. It’s no easy task, and truly, it takes a village.
At Community Table, we are dedicated to combating food insecurity through compassion, collaboration, and community involvement.
How are you using the funds you’ve received from the King Soopers Fight Hunger bag program?
The $3,600 we have received so far will enable us to purchase food for community members experiencing food insecurity. Thanks to our strong partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies, we can acquire a substantial amount of food at reasonable prices.
This program is truly wonderful and we are delighted to be a part of it. Witnessing people shopping with their bags brings us joy, knowing the purpose behind their purchases. We extend our gratitude to King Soopers for supporting our mission and aiding us in caring for our community.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Through a partnership with the city of Arvada, we will be relocating to a new building that is nearly twice the size of our current space. While our new location will be in Adams County, we remain closely connected to Jefferson County.
We are currently seeking architectural and construction services for this new building, which will allow us to expand our lobby and provide indoor seating for visitors instead of having them wait outside. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to expand our store, partner offices, and warehouse. The inclusion of food delivery dock doors will greatly facilitate the process of receiving food donations.
In the near future, we will launch a capital campaign to raise the additional funds needed for this exciting new chapter. This move signifies a significant step forward for Community Table and reflects our commitment to serving the community for the next 42 years.
Interview with Sandy Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer
Published April 18, 2024