Why The GrowHaus’ Work is Critical

Read The GrowHaus’ 2023 Impact Report

In Uncertain Times, Food Insecurity Remains Pervasive

We are experiencing a food insecurity crisis where 15% of our neighbors in Denver say they do not have enough money for food, according to new data from DDPHE. Parents are carrying the burden of having to cut the size of their children’s meals. The challenge of access to healthy food leads to poor physical health outcomes, mental health challenges, and hinders a child's ability to learn in school. Most consequential, children in The GrowHaus' home community of Globeville in North Denver have a life expectancy of 11 years less than more affluent children only a few miles away. 

Amidst these challenges, The GrowHaus’ 16-person team, made up primarily of Latina women from the communities served, is supporting thousands of people every week and proving that community-led solutions alleviate food insecurity and build community wealth and well-being. 

New Food Access Sites Expand Options for Healthy and Culturally Meaningful Foods

The GrowHaus food access team, made up of eight community members, is facing Denver’s food insecurity crisis head-on and reaching nearly 6,000 people every month. Originally serving the Latino immigrant communities of Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea, The GrowHaus is sharing its expertise to expand fresh food access and is now managing 26 food access sites across the City of Denver via partnerships with Denver Public Libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Archway Communities, and community health care clinics.

Food Education Sparks Leadership Journeys

Study after study underscores the importance of food education, and The GrowHaus has seen first-hand the effectiveness of a neighbor-to-neighbor model. The GrowHaus’ Promotora (Community Health Specialist) team and Education Team lead year-round cooking classes and home visits, where children and adults come together to build healthy habits and community connections by celebrating traditional flavors and discovering ways to prepare unfamiliar fruits and vegetables. 

During youth programs, cooking and gardening workshops are just the beginning of a child’s leadership journey. Children and teens learn life skills, like following recipes and working as a team,  and explore their power as emerging community leaders during field trips and independent passion projects.

Career Pathways for Our Neighbors

To address the root causes of food insecurity and to provide wealth-building opportunities, The GrowHaus hires and invests in the career pathways of our community members. The GrowHaus hires teens and adults to lead community programming where they prioritize skill development, personal growth, and leadership development. 

This Work is Possible Because of Our Community of Engaged Supporters

Join The GrowHaus' community of supporters in confronting Denver's food insecurity challenge head-on by making your Colorado Gives Day Gift today!

The GrowHaus' closest friends know the importance of our work and have agreed to collectively give an additional $30,000 to The GrowHaus when 300 people make their Colorado Gives Day donation. 

Your gift today will create immediate impact! 

Gifts of $250 or more not only deliver health and hope but also come with a 25% Colorado Enterprise Zone income tax credit.