Pilot program adds hygiene essentials to food pantries on Western Slope

DENVER — A new pilot program launching across seven Western Slope food pantries will combine food distribution with hygiene essentials in an effort to close a growing access gap for Colorado families facing rising food insecurity.

Justice Necessary and Food Bank of the Rockies announced the initiative on Wednesday, saying the program will test how hygiene support can be integrated into the state’s hunger relief network. While programs such as SNAP and WIC help families afford food, they do not cover items like soap, toothpaste, diapers or period supplies.

The pantries participating in the pilot will receive one-month hygiene kits tailored to each community’s needs. Kits will include versions for mobile pantries and for families experiencing homelessness.

Justice Necessary plans to expand the work statewide in 2026 through its Find Your Pantry Hygiene Seal, which will recognize pantries that offer both food and hygiene essentials. The group expects to distribute more than 3 million hygiene products next year.

“When I founded Justice Necessary four years ago, I knew that food insecurity and hygiene poverty were interwoven,” said Diane Cushman Neal, founder and president of Justice Necessary. “Partnering with the Food Bank of the Rockies gives hygiene a seat at the table, allowing us to support our Colorado communities. Together, we can ensure that no student misses class, no job-seeker is held back from employment and no parent lacks basic hygiene essentials.”

A 2024 study by Justice Necessary found that 52 percent of Coloradans had sacrificed food to buy hygiene products, while 65 percent skipped buying hygiene items to purchase food. The study said access to hygiene supplies affects health, employment and education outcomes.

“Every day, we see families who not only need nourishing food, but the other essentials required to live with dignity,” said Monica Buhlig, chief impact officer at Food Bank of the Rockies. “By teaming up with Justice Necessary, we are ensuring that we and our network of Hunger Relief Partners can provide more holistic support that recognizes the full scope of what families need to thrive.”

The organizations are calling for community volunteers to help pack 150,000 hygiene kits. Volunteer opportunities and additional information are available on the website.