Welcome!
Red Rocks Community College strives to ensure our students have access to the food and basic non-food items they need. We provide food to students who may be experiencing short-term food insecurity. It could be the result of a short-term disruption in finances, a food desert in the local community, or a lack of access to other financial assistance.
If you are making a choice between the food you need for a healthy life and other pressing priorities, we are here to relieve some of the stress of that experience.
The pantry is a no-need-based, market-style food outlet available to all currently enrolled Red Rocks Community College students. The variety of food we offer allows our students to sit down and prepare food in the lounge, and to shop for groceries to take home.
Our pantry is made possible by a grant from Colorado Gives Foundation and from generous donations through the RRCC Foundation.
Mission
The Red Rock Community College Food Pantry works to reduce student food insecurity by providing nutritious, inclusive food in a supportive environment through strong campus and community partnerships.
Vision
We envision a campus where no student goes hungry, and food security is a shared, community-driven responsibility that fosters compassion, equity, and resilience.
How do I get food?
Students are welcome to visit the Student Pantry once per week and can choose up to 10 food items and 2 non-food items at no cost. We provide shelf stable products, ready-to-eat items, and hygiene products at no cost to visitors. Available items change from week to week.
Some tips for first time visitors
- Know your Red Rocks Community College Student ID Number
- Your ID Number is current
- No reservation is required
Thank you for your patience as we work to get food for you.
Hours and Locations
Lakewood Campus
Room 1552, Across from the Student Life front desk
The pantry is open and available to students:
- Monday and Thursday: 10:00am–6:00pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00am–4:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am–3:00pm
Arvada Campus
Room 9120, Student Life Office, first door on the left after the Student Lounge
The pantry is open and available to students:
- Monday-Thursday: 8:00am–4:30pm
Please note: Contact the Student Life Front Desk for unanticipated closures that deviate from posted operating hours. On occasion things come up and we are not always able to fully staff the pantry as needed to remain open.
Food Drives and Donations
The Food Pantry is focused on providing foods that display high nutritional value (e.g. quinoa is more valuable than a box of macaroni & cheese). We will gladly accept any donations that you provide; but again, we focus on providing the most nutritional foods to RRCC students as possible. Please drop off all donations for the Food Pantry at the Student Life desk or the blue barrels located outside of each pantry location.
- Protein items (canned tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter)
- Dry goods (pasta, cereal, grains, rice)
- Sauces (spaghetti sauce, condiments)
- Soups (canned soup, instant noodles)
- Snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers)
- Canned vegetables and beans
- Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent pods)
- Special dietary items (gluten-free, dairy-free)
Your generous monetary donations fuel food security on our campus
Mobile Food Pantry
The Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Food Pantry comes to campus on the1st Saturday of every month with food distribution starting at 2:00 p.m. until food runs out, offering RRCC students and community members access to fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and baked goods (exact items are different at each event). It is recommended to arrive for check in ahead of the 2 pm start time.
Located in the parking lot at Arbutus and 6th Ave service road.
Mobile Pantry dates for Fall and Winter 2026
- Saturday, September 12 ** (moved from the first Saturday in observance of Labor Day)
- Saturday, October 3
- Saturday, November 7
- Saturday, December 5
- Saturday, January 9 ** (moved from the first Saturday in observance of New Years Day)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
1 in 3 students qualify for $298 in SNAP food benefits. SNAP is part of a federal nutrition program to help low-income households purchase food. It provides a monthly benefit that helps families and individuals buy the food they need for good health.
Additional Community Resources
For a list of RRCC and local community resources visit our comprehensive list here.
- 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across the state, including food, housing and other basic needs.
- The Action Center: A non-profit powerhouse dedicated to empowering individuals and families for a resilient community, offering free food, clothing, financial aid, and family services. Connect with The Action Center today.
- Benefits in Action is a nonprofit organization located in Colorado that serves individuals with various services available, including application assistance for various social benefit programs, food delivery, mental wellness programs, and education programs.
- Colorado Pet Pantry temporarily feeds Colorado pets, allowing families to increase their ability to care for pets with the goals of keeping them out of shelters and with their families.
- Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Pantry See where and when to access this Mobile Pantry in and around the Denver area and Jefferson County.
- Jefferson County WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
- Jeffco Community Resources: a comprehensive directory of local services and support programs to help residents connect with the help they need across the county.