The Community Food Bank’s Community Challenge Is Back as the Grand Valley’s Need Grows

The Community Food Bank has been feeding Mesa County families since 1978. That’s nearly 50 years of making sure our neighbors have something on the table when times get tight.

Heading into the 2026 holidays, though, the need is bigger than it’s been in a long time.

How Many Grand Valley Families Are Facing Hunger?

Right now, about 1 in 7 Mesa County residents doesn’t always know where their next meal is coming from. That’s roughly 22,200 of our neighbors. Kids have it even harder: 1 in 5 children in the Grand Valley faces hunger, which works out to about 6,570 kids right here at home.

It’s not hard to see why. Groceries still cost more than they used to, and this fall’s changes to SNAP have local food pantries bracing for more families walking through their doors this winter.

That’s why the Community Challenge is back.

Read More: Western Colorado Food Banks Helping Families in Need

How the 2026 Community Challenge Works

Every dollar you give to the Community Food Bank stays right here in the Grand Valley, and just one dollar helps provide four nutritious meals for a neighbor facing hunger.

Last year alone, the Food Bank moved more than 800,000 pounds of food into local hands, so they know how to stretch a donation.

Carville’s Auto Mart Is Matching Donations Up to $3,000

Carville’s Auto Mart is matching cash donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $3,000. So that $20 you were going to give turns into $40 before it ever leaves the valley.

Where to Drop Off Food Donations in Grand Junction

Would you rather donate food? You can drop off donations at any of these Grand Junction locations:

• Community Food Bank, 476 28 ½ Road
• Community Café, 2232 N. 7th Street
• Carville’s Auto Mart, 2507 US Highway 6

Fun fact on that middle one: the Community Café is the Food Bank’s own restaurant, in the old 7th Street Deli building. Grab lunch and drop off a bag of groceries in the same trip.

Why Cash Goes the Furthest

We know cash is the quickest way for most folks to help, and between the four-meals-per-dollar math and Carville’s match, it stretches about as far as a donation can.

Before we sit down to celebrate the holidays and count our blessings, let’s make sure everyone in our community is cared for and no one goes hungry.