For more than a decade, Harvest of Hope Pantry has been a lifeline for thousands of Boulder County residents facing food insecurity. Founded in 2012 through a collaborative effort between St. Thomas Aquinas and Sacred Heart of Jesus parishes, the organization began as a small operation in a storefront at 30th and Valmont. Today, it has grown into a thriving, independent nonprofit serving more people than ever from its expanded home in East Boulder.
Chad Molter, Executive Director, brings more than a decade of experience in homeless services, including his time at All Roads (formerly the Boulder Shelter). His philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to basic needs—food, shelter, and community. Molter describes Harvest of Hope’s mission simply: to provide supplemental food to anyone in need through a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space. That clarity of purpose guides every aspect of their work.
Harvest of Hope focuses exclusively on food access allowing their team to refine and scale a single program exceptionally well. Their approach is anchored in a client choice model, where individuals can shop for the items they want, rather than receiving pre-packed bags.
This model supports dignity, reduces waste, and helps normalize seeking free food, something Molter says is still heavily stigmatized. “We try to minimize reminders that people are in a nonprofit setting,” he explains. “If we can look more like a grocery store and less like a service you have to ‘qualify’ for, we’re doing our job.”
Last year, the pantry served approximately 5,000 people; this year, they are on track to support about 6,500 which is a significant increase fueled by rising food costs, reduced post-pandemic benefits, and deepening economic strain across the region.
As the need has grown, so has the organization’s commitment to accessibility. When Harvest of Hope moved to its permanent facility in late 2021, leaders realized the new location, while larger, was harder for many clients to reach. In response, they relaunched a mobile pantry program, expanding it into six locations across Boulder County.
These mobile sites, many in affordable housing communities serving older adults, allow residents with mobility or transportation challenges to shop right where they live. “It’s been tremendously appreciated and the demand is only growing,” Molter shares.
The pantry has also expanded its hours, now operating Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with evening hours twice a week. Importantly, they are the only pantry in Boulder County open on Saturdays, making food access easier for working families.
In addition to direct food distribution, Harvest of Hope plays a crucial role in sustainability. Through robust retail rescue partnerships with local bagel shops, pizza restaurants, and major grocers, the pantry diverts food from landfills and into the hands of people who need it.
In 2024 they rescued just over 100,000 pounds of food. This year, that number is projected to exceed 250,000 pounds. A recently purchased box truck, funded by a generous donor, has increased their capacity to pick up and deliver rescued food throughout the county.
Like many human services organizations, Harvest of Hope faces ongoing financial challenges. Operating the pantry, maintaining the building, expanding hours, and meeting surging needs all require stable funding. “Nothing is guaranteed,” Molter shared. “We have a really tight budget, but thankfully we live in a generous community and they always come through for us.”
Individuals can support the pantry financially or through food donations, and organizations can coordinate food drives. Harvest of Hope also relies on a dedicated force of about 350 volunteers, who collectively contribute more than 10,000 hours each year. These volunteers help with everything from sorting food to supporting mobile pantries to assisting clients as they shop. New volunteers can easily sign up at their website with no long-term commitment required.
At a time of rising need and deepening challenges, Harvest of Hope remains a place of warmth, belonging, and connection. “We see people who are systemically locked out,” Molter said. “If we can lessen that burden even a little by providing nutritious food, that’s why we’re here.”
To get involved or to learn more visit: https://hopepantry.org/
