On Fridays, some of our students quietly ask if they can take extra food home. At Montview Elementary School, many of the families we serve are immigrants—working incredibly hard, often multiple jobs, to build a stable life for their children. But because of their immigration status, many are not eligible for food assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps). That means when money runs tight, there isn’t a safety net. For many of our students, school breakfast and lunch are the most reliable meals they receive. We see kids saving food for later, worrying about weekends, and coming back on Monday hungry.

We want to help change that by installing a community fridge outside our school. In partnership with Denver Community Fridges, this fridge would be open anytime for families, stocked with fresh food and essentials, and a no-questions-asked resource—no ID, no eligibility requirements. The cost to safely install it—including electrical work—is significant. While we’ve explored every option, Aurora Public Schools is currently facing significant budget constraints and cannot fund this project, as resources are being prioritized for essential staffing and classrooms. This fridge would fill a gap that traditional systems don’t cover. Imagine a parent finishing a long shift and being able to pick up food for their family. Imagine a student knowing there will be something to eat over the weekend. Imagine a community where access to food doesn’t depend on paperwork.

If you’re able to give, any amount helps. Sharing this page helps just as much. Thank you for supporting our students and families—inside and outside the classroom.