Date: June 2026
On a summer day in Loveland, Mary and her two grandchildren visited Fairgrounds Park — one of 28 sites on the Lunch Lab’s route throughout Larimer County.
Until that day, Mary said she hadn’t heard of the Lunch Lab, but she immediately recognized its importance and picked up two chicken and bean burrito meals for her grandkids.
“I think it helps a lot,” she said. “Parents need this.”
During the summer, Larimer County families no longer have the option for their children to receive breakfast and lunch through their local school. With the high cost of food, gas and other basic living expenses, the absence of these meals can put a strain on working families already struggling to make ends meet. That’s where the Lunch Lab works to help ensure that children get the nutrition they need throughout the summer.
Good nutrition is fundamental to health. For kids, it is the foundation of a bright future. When a child doesn’t have enough to eat, their development and overall wellbeing is impacted, putting them at risk for increased health problems, trouble concentrating in school, and impacting the growth of their brain and body.
Kids are our future community leaders, neighbors, teachers, and workers. With more than 12% of Larimer County’s youth facing hunger, the Food Bank is working to ensure bright futures, but we need our community’s help.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Volunteer
All of the meals for kids are made from scratch in our Nutritious Kitchen. During the summer, our daily volunteer shifts double from 15 roles to 30. We also need support delivering the meals along our 28 different routes.
Donate
Donate online to support the Food Bank’s hunger-relief programs.
Through June 21, you can round up at your local King Soopers register to support our 9Cares Colorado Shares fundraiser campaign.
Spread awareness
Help our community be aware that the Lunch Lab is a resource! There is no ID or registration required. Any child 18 or under can get a meal. Learn more about the Lunch Lab here. Additionally, learn more about the variety of local resources for summer nutrition for kids here.
