Overview

In response to the suspension of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown, the City of Lakewood is partnering with the  Lakewood Foundation and the Lakewood Community Services Center (LCSC) to provide relief to Lakewood residents who rely on the SNAP program to purchase daily nutritional and household necessities.

Gift Card Program

The Department of Human Services is coordinating the distribution of $50 Aldi gift cards to Lakewood residents currently receiving SNAP benefits. Working through established community partnerships, this effort will provide support to more than 1,000 Lakewood households. A limited number of cards will also be made available at the Cove Community Center on a first-come basis for eligible residents. Distribution will begin the week of November 17, with additional details to be shared in advance.

Community Fundraising (The Lakewood Foundation)

If you would like to make a monetary donation to help those in need, the City partnering with the Lakewood Foundation to accept donations from the public that will be used for additional direct relief to SNAP recipients during the shutdown.

Those interested in contributing can connect to the Foundation via the donation page on the Lakewood Foundation website.

Citywide Food and Goods Drive

The City has set up collection bins at City Hall, the Lakewood Police Station, Cove Community Center, and all Lakewood Fire Stations to collect tangible goods to be distributed to SNAP beneficiaries. Requested items include:

• Cereals
• Canned soups
• “Meal in a can” options (chili, ravioli, beef stew)
• Nutritional drinks like Ensure/Boost
• Canned or dried fruits
• Snack items
• Foil-pack proteins such as tuna or chicken.

Non-food, personal care products (toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, diapers, etc.) are also welcome.

Cove Community Center will also have a donation box on site for new winter coats, hats, and gloves. Those interested in donating items can also purchase from our Human Services Amazon Wish List.

Community Meals

The City of Lakewood will begin hosting a once-a-month community meal at the Human Services building at Cove Community Center with expected capacity to feed in excess of 150 Lakewood residents. The first community meal will take place on Wednesday, December 3^rd at 5:30 PM at Cove Community Center. There will also be a drive-through option for those wishing to pick up a meal.