NEDERLAND - There was plenty of fun in the sun to be had on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as the Nederland Food Pantry (NFP) celebrated their first Cookout and Open Pick at their new campus. This free event was open to all and featured live music, delicious food, outdoor games, and great vibes.

Dedicated and hardworking NFP staff and volunteers toiled through the early morning hours, crafting up tasty variations of savory chilis, from a traditional red chili made from over ten pounds of Colorado beef, to a delectable vegetable chili. 

Rice, beans, cornbread, and an assortment of salty chips accompanied the cookout staple chili, along with bright and zestful lemon, lime, and orange citrus bars, donated by Natalie Duplessy of Peace, Love, and Cake. 

While the volunteers scrambled to set up canopy tents to create some refuge from the beaming afternoon sun, residents came equipped with their own camping chairs, ready to post up right in the newly made shade.

Local musician Emmet Griffin and his traveling troupe of talented troubadours came packed with everything they needed to provide the quintessential soundtrack for the event.

Griffin and crew brilliantly crafted a canopy of sound that wafted over the crowd and relaxed the atmosphere, producing smiles, laughter, and easygoing conversation. 

The open pick was perfectly appealing, as Griffin and musicians were joined by fellow guitarists, singers, and bassists, and even a zither and harmonica player. 

In addition to all the delicious food and delightful music, attendees were invited to play cornhole and badminton. At the same time, they were provided with many opportunities to donate to the NFP’s cause in serving those Nederland and Peak to Peak residents in need.  

The responsibility of naming the organization’s mustard yellow utility van, which is used to pick up and deliver food donations from the Front Range across the Peak to Peak region, was given to attendees. They came up with such names as “The Cheeto” and “The Nederland Jolly Food Trolley” for the chance to win tickets to the NFP’s upcoming benefit concert at the Caribou Room in September. 

There were also beautiful bouquets of summer flowers, lovingly arranged by Uproot Florist, available in different sizes for set donation amounts. 

All donations went directly to NFP to fund their continued efforts in the human services field, which also now includes the potential to provide essential durable medical equipment, such as hearing aids, prostheses, and walkers.

And thanks to a new grant, NFP clients may also be eligible to receive vehicle and home modifications for medical devices, as well as limited dental services.  

If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, please contact Betty Abel at betty@nederlandfoodpantry.org for more information.

The Nederland Food Pantry is located at 196 West 1st Street and is open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon. For more information go to: https://www.nederlandfoodpantry.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a food emergency after operating hours, call 720-418-0892 for assistance.