Teller Pantry Friends

Teller Pantry Friends exists to ensure that every family at Teller Elementary School in Denver has consistent access to nutritious food, without stigma, barriers, or judgment.

We are a volunteer-run, school-based food pantry serving families with young children in a diverse Denver community. By operating directly inside the school, we make it easy for families to get the support they need while preserving dignity and strengthening relationships. Our mission is rooted in the belief that food security is foundational to children’s learning, health, and sense of belonging, and that neighbors supporting neighbors is one of the most powerful ways to build a strong school community.

Teller Pantry Friends is a small, grassroots nonprofit founded in 2018 to address food insecurity among families with elementary-aged children at Teller Elementary School in Denver. We operate an on-site food pantry inside the school cafeteria, making food access simple, familiar, and stigma-free for families and staff alike.

Everything we do is powered by volunteers: parents, caregivers, community members, and supporters who believe that no child should have to learn on an empty stomach. Volunteers help pick up food, stock shelves, organize distributions, and build welcoming relationships with families. Because we run with minimal overhead, volunteer time has an outsized impact on how many families we can serve.

We currently support more than 130 households each year and offer groceries multiple times per week during the school year, along with seasonal programs like Thanksgiving meal boxes and pop-up pantries during periods of heightened need. Our food is sourced primarily from Food Bank of the Rockies and Volunteers of America’s City Harvest Food Bank, supplemented by community donations and targeted purchases to meet cultural and dietary needs.

What makes Teller Pantry Friends special is our commitment to dignity and inclusion. Families do not need to prove need or complete applications to access the pantry. By removing barriers and embedding food support within the school, we help normalize asking for help and strengthen trust across the community.

As demand for food assistance continues to grow, we are actively seeking volunteers who want to make a tangible, local difference. Whether you can help once a month or multiple times a week, your time directly supports children, families, and a stronger school community.