Mutual Aid Weekly Distro
Early on, during the COVID pandemic, Mutual Aid Partners began supporting the relief efforts of the grassroots group Grand Junction Mutual Aid by providing access to resources and coordinating volunteers. Then, in 2021, as the community’s needs expanded, MAP assumed responsibility for the weekly food distribution. MAP’s strategic relationships with community organizations and social service agencies have made it possible to distribute large quantities of food and resources where they are needed most.
We are extremely grateful to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley for providing a safe and inviting space for our community from DAY ONE! We also want to acknowledge our other partners: Food Bank of the Rockies, Homeward Bound, Community Food Bank, Community Alliance for Education & Hunger Relief, Community Resource Center, Western CO Alliance, Grand Valley Peace & Justice, Solidarity Not Charity, Barkley’s Hope, The Street Dog Coalition, Roice-Hurst Humane Society, Hilltop, 211, VA HUD-VASH, Mesa County Public Health, Grand Valley Connects, United Way of Mesa County– because we are stronger together.
Last but not least, to our EXTRAORDINARY MUTUAL AID VOLUNTEERS: YOU are the light in this world, we could not do any of this without YOU! MAP Volunteers= #CommUNITYstrong
Families Fed
Pounds of Food Distributed
Every Tuesday, mutual aid volunteers transform a few hundred square feet of parking lot into a fully functional community center right in the heart of Grand Junction, Colorado. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley graciously provides us space and supplies to provide essential services to our neighbors and friends.
This event requires around 25 volunteer staff each week to pull off successfully. We are always on the lookout for more passionate individuals who want to get involved with Mutual Aid.
On-site services include:
- Free community choice food pantry
- Hygiene essentials, period products & toiletries
- Sack lunches, hot beverages & hydration station
- Human resource advocacy & navigation
- Hair cuts and barber services
- Dog & cat vaccinations
- Dog & cat food
- Register to vote and education
- And much more!
What are the best times to volunteer?
8:30AM SHIFT
Be at UU at 8:30AM for setup.
You’ll be asked to lift boxes, set up tents and tables, receive large deliveries and sort donations, so come prepared to work!
10AM SHIFT
You’ll be asked to assist folx in selecting food items from the choice pantry and bagging them. This is a great way to contribute if you are only available for a couple of hours and want to connect with your fellow neighbors. Please show up by 9:45 for quick orientation and community team building; the distribution begins at 10:30AM.
12PM SHIFT
Show up at 12PM to help us consolidate, clean up, tear down and store our supplies back in the building. We are usually done by 1:30PM.
Ready To Join The Team?
Sign-Up to volunteer with MAP and you’ll get a weekly email with our volunteer opportunities