D11's Galileo Middle School Opens Food Pantry for Colorado Springs Families

A Colorado Springs middle school opened a food pantry for families last week — and in just the first few days of operation, 22 families had already come through the door.

Galileo Middle School, part of Colorado Springs School District 11, officially opened the "Ascend" food pantry and community garden on September 25 in a partnership between the school and Joint Initiatives, a local nonprofit focused on community access and well-being. The pantry operates in a market-style format, offering fresh produce, bread, and household food staples to families connected to the school.

Schools as Community Hubs

The Galileo pantry reflects a broader shift in how Colorado Springs school districts are thinking about their role. Schools have increasingly become gathering points for families who need resources beyond the classroom — from mental health services to food access to family event spaces.

District 11 serves a diverse range of Colorado Springs neighborhoods, and initiatives like Ascend give families a school-connected point of contact for community support. The early demand — 22 families served in the first days — suggests the need was already there and the timing was right.

What's Next

Colorado Springs families in the Galileo Middle School community who need food assistance can reach out to sign up through KMcDaniel@jointinitiatives.org. For those who'd like to support Joint Initiatives' work in Colorado Springs — whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about programs like Ascend — visit jointinitiatives.org for more information on their current community partnerships.