The Routt County Food Security Watchdogs group, including LiftUp of Routt County and multiple other organizations, want to let citizens know where to obtain free or low-cost food this fall and winter.

The complete list of these resources and contact information can be found online at Liftuprc.org/what-we-do/food-banks/routt-county-food-security-watchdogs.

Four free Blessing Box locations for 24/7 access to nonperishable food items are available in four town locations: Hayden Congregational Church at 202 E. Jefferson Ave., Oak Creek Public Library at 117 W. Main Street, Yampa Town Hall at 101 Main Street and Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church at 736 Oak St.

Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church hosts free community Open Table dinners 5-6:30 p.m. Thursdays through April, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Holy Name Catholic Church at 524 Oak St. in Steamboat hosts free Community Dinners 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesdays through Dec. 16, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas break times.

LiftUp of Routt County offers Food Banks in Steamboat Springs at 2095 Curve Court and Oak Creek at 227 Dodge Ave. available to Routt County residents with an income of 300% or lower of the Federal Poverty Level, which translates to $8,037 per month for a family of four.

In addition, a free Grab ‘N Go section at each Food Bank is available to anyone inside during open hours.

Integrated Community at 443 Oak St. in Steamboat can aid Spanish-speaking residents with resources including help with food assistance applications.

Northwest Colorado Health in Steamboat and Craig can help residents sign up for the Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, free nutrition program including nutrition counseling and supplemental healthy foods. The program is open to pregnant, post-partum and breastfeeding women and infants and children up to age 5 who meet income requirements.

Routt County Council on Aging offers low-cost lunches at noon various weekdays during “Eat and Greet” at three dining locations in Steamboat, Oak Creek and Hayden. The meals targeting people 60 and older have a recommended donation of $3. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

Routt County citizens 60 and older can receive Meals on Wheels hot lunches delivered to their door for a $3 donation. Reservations are required one week in advance.

The Routt County Department of Human Services at 135 Sixth St. in Steamboat can help residents sign up for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits. The program helps low-income individuals and families purchase food.

United Way of the Yampa Valley will host the free annual Thanksgiving Dinner 12:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Steamboat Springs Community Center.

Food Security Watchdogs offer these tips for stretching food dollars:

• Frozen fruits and vegetables can be as healthy as fresh and cost less.
• Purchase less expensive non-brand name foods.
• Plan meals by writing a list of needed foods and stick to the list when grocery shopping.
• Get creative with foods already in the home such as freezing overripe bananas to use later in smoothies.
• Purchase foods sold in bulk that are cheaper than smaller-portion packaged foods.
• Utilize coupons, flyers, sales and store apps, and check the clearance section.
• Review price labels to determine the unit price to see cheaper the price per ounce or pound when comparing brands or sizes.
• Use plant-based proteins such as beans instead of meat or trade out half the meat in a recipe.