How does this work?

Once you’ve filled out the form, we’ll reach out (usually in a few days) with the contact info for a neighbor who has requested help. We’ll also give you some information about their family and the type of help they requested.

From there, you’ll reach out to the neighbor and discuss the details of what they’d like and how you can help. We recommend the first message include:

• Your name/who you are

• The you have been connected to them via the Denver Food Network (after they filled out a Google form to be matched with a neighbor)

• How you’d like to help

• If what you’re offering works for them

Once you’ve agreed, you can work out further details (like drop off) with your neighbor.

Is this a one time thing or am I helping on a regular basis?

It’s totally up to you! Many of our neighbors do a one time gift, while others continue to help on a regular basis. Quite a few of our matches have made genuine connections and friendships beyond this initiative.

What kind of holiday help should I be offering?

We recommend gift cards to places like Walmart (which can be used for food or gifts), fulfilling an Amazon or written wishlist for children’s presents, or a grocery store gift card. Again, it’s up to you and the neighbor you’ve matched with—while we’ll provide details on what they asked for on the form, that’s a starting point not a demand.

Why haven’t I been matched with a neighbor yet?

We match requests to helpers based on what neighborhood you both live in, so if you haven’t been matched yet, it’s most likely because we don’t have a current request in your neighborhood. If you’re open to expanding beyond your area, please email denverfoodnetwork@gmail.com and let us know!

How much money should I be spending?

It’s whatever you’re comfortable with. We haven’t set any expectations with the families, and many of them write in the comments “any help is appreciated.”

How do you vet requests?

We are just neighbors who decided to help, so we don’t have any real way of vetting requests. This is run on faith in people on both sides. That said, people who have enough money for what they need don’t typically try to “scam” their neighbors.

However, please use common sense and your best judgment. If something feels fishy, please disengage and let us know! This is also why we suggest gift cards over cash—we feel it’s a happy medium of respecting people’s autonomy and your generosity. Although if you’d like to send cash, you’re totally welcome to.