January 2026 Newsletter | Vol.1

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through Service

Each January, the nation pays tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by remembering his words and putting his values into action through the National Day of Service. Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all. He encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence. MLK Day of Service is a way to honor his life and teachings by engaging in community action that continues to positively affect social problems.

Denver has one of the largest MLK Day Parades in the country. More than 50,000 people attended this year’s Marade (march + parade) on Monday, January 19^th, which began with an opening ceremony at City Park before marchers headed down Colfax to the State Capitol. The theme for the 40^th anniversary is “I am the Dream.”

Many other activities in January honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and several organizations host National Day of Service events. We encourage our neighbors to volunteer not just on MLK Day but throughout the year. Assisting with food drives, cleaning parks and helping at community events are a tangible way to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."

Tip of the Month: Jumpstart Your Resolutions with a Delicious Meal 

According to national polls, eating healthier is one of the top three New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Maria Alcocer, a Montbello chef and the owner of Cocina de Nana shares this delicious, nutritious recipe to help with that resolution.

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry Responds to Increasing Need

Food insecurity is on the rise, particularly among minority and low-income populations. Rising food prices, job layoffs, SNAP cuts, and decreasing federal funds have affected many of our neighbors and reduced households' access to nutritious food. The Montbello Mobile Food Pantry, which distributes food boxes on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Montbello Recreation Center, has seen families requesting food resources increase by more than 300% in the past year alone. In January of 2025, 165 families visited the Montbello Mobile Food Pantry. That number continued to rise each month, hitting a peak in December 2025, when the Montbello Mobile Food Pantry served 505 families.


Montbello Organizing Committee, which hosts the Montbello Mobile Food Pantry in partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies, is working tirelessly to ensure all of our community members have access to food during these difficult times.


If you or someone you know if experiencing food insecurity, please mark your calendar for our upcoming distribution dates. The Pantry is open from 9 am until all food boxes are distributed (typically around 11 a.m.). New clients will need to register with Food Bank of the Rockies and then just share your client ID whenever you visit the pantry.

FreshLo Update: Construction of Fresh Food Market Commences

Exciting progress is underway on the Montbello Fresh Food Market, a locally owned nonprofit store that will offer affordable healthy, fresh and culturally appropriate food items for Montbello residents. Located at 4660 Peoria Blvd., the Fresh Food Market will be one of three Fresh Food Markets to open across Denver by summer 2026. Having access to healthy, fresh and affordable food has been identified as one of Montbello’s top priorities according to input received from the community over the past eight years.

Construction is moving forward on the planned grocery store site with demolition and HVAC work in progress. The Montbello Fresh Food Market will be the first centrally located grocery store in Montbello since Safeway closed in 2015. Some of the food will be sourced right here in the community, including produce from an operating hydroponic growing facility, the Montbello Urban Farm, and other local community gardens. The store will also have a significant economic impact with a commitment to hiring residents and paying them a livable wage including employee benefits.

Stay tuned to Montbello Organizing Committee’s social media pages (@MontbelloOrg) for updates on the Montbello Fresh Food Market.

Job of the Month: Sacks of Love Food Bank Coordinator

Struggle of Love Foundation

Sacks of Love Food Bank is a community-driven organization committed to alleviating hunger and food insecurity in our community. They are hiring a part-time coordinator for the Food Pantry, which operates Monday-Friday. The Food Pantry Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with external partners to secure donations, transporting, inspecting, logging and organizing donations. In addition, the Coordinator ensures the environment is clean, sanitary, safe and welcoming to patrons and team members.

Position requirements include a high school diploma or the equivalent, a driver’s license and clean driving record, ability to lift and carry loads up to 50 pounds and strong organization and interpersonal communication skills. Previous experience working or volunteering for a food pantry is a plus.

This is a part-time position, involving both indoor and outdoor work. Occasional weekend and event hours may be required. To apply for this position, scan the QR code or visit www.struggleoflovefoundation.org and click on Join the Love Team.

Montbello Talent is dedicated to connecting local job seekers with living wage jobs where they can thrive. Whether you're seeking your first job, looking to shift careers, or aiming to climb higher in your current path, Montbello Talent offers personalized support and resources. Each month in THE BELLOS, we will highlight a job meant to help strengthen our community's economic fabric. If you are a job seeker, or employer, please reach out to Michael.Crossland@montbelloorganizing.org.

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Leonardo Lopez

Leonardo (Leo) Lopez is MOC’s Economic Development Assistant Director. He leads the Entrepreneurship Foundations program, a 12-week intensive training program designed to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to launch and sustain their own businesses. The program, which began in 2022, had more than 80 graduates by the end of 2025. Leo also helps community members obtain business loans and provides technical assistance tailored to their individual needs. He understands the vital role that small businesses and entrepreneurs bring to the community and is passionate about increasing financial literacy and helping community members build generational wealth.

Leo graduated from the Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) with a degree in Finance and is a former financial planner and entrepreneur. He serves as a mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs outside of his work at MOC. In his free time, Leo enjoys long bike rides and experiencing the beautiful outdoors of Colorado.

Event Recap: Christmas Tree Giveaway

Struggle of Love Foundation hosted A Time to Give Christmas Tree and Decorations Giveaway to support families in the Montbello community by providing free, real Christmas trees and holiday decorations during the holiday season. The event helped to spread joy, reduce financial stress, and ensure families could celebrate the holidays with warmth and dignity.

Featured Event: Grand Opening of FreshLo Hub Business Accelerator and Ariel’s Cafe

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10 am to Noon

12444 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239

Mark your calendar now to join the celebration of the FreshLo Hub, learn more about the New Business Accelerator and be one of the first to enjoy the sips and treats from Ariel’s Café. RSVP via Eventbrite.

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Refuge Nature Play Feedback Event

Saturday, January 24^th, 10 AM to Noon

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Nat'l Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 6550 Gateway Rd., Commerce City, CO 80022

Live bird and animal program, FREE food and coffee trucks, and a hands-on art activity. Initial designs for the new nature play site will be unveiled and the first 200 youth ages 2-18 to provide feedback will receive a $25 gift card.

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, February 5^th at 9 AM

Montbello Recreation Center: 15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239

The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food boxes out of the parking lot at Montbello Recreation Center. New clients can streamline their visit by registering ahead of time here. 

2^nd Annual Love & Lace

Saturday, February 7^th at 11 AM

The Love Center: 12005 E. 45th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Resources and giveaways for the ladies including hygiene products, undergarments and clothing. For more information, call 720-923-6122.

Bluff Lake Nature Center Campus Improvement Project Grand Opening

Saturday, February 14^th, 10 AM to 2 PM

Bluff Lake Nature Center: 11255 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Denver, CO 80238

Join the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 AM and then enjoy free snacks, activities and tours. Please note that the parking lot will be closed for this event. Parking is available on the neighborhood streets. Please email leila@blufflake.org with accessibility needs.

Far Northeast (FNE) Denver Townhall in partnership with Senator Coleman

Wednesday, February 18^th, 6:00-7:30 PM

Evie Garret Campus, Cafeteria - 4800 Telluride St.

Hosted by Senate President James Coleman. Come learn more about 2026 priorities and share your thoughts with your elected officials including Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, RTD Director JoyAnn Ruscha and Monica Hunter, member of DPS Board of Directors.

RSVP at https://qrco.de/townhall218.

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.