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Jenn Kostka Beck
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Mile High United Way, Clayton Early Learning, Warren Village, Elevate for Change and Food Bank of the Rockies Are Distributing Empanadas to Families

DENVER – Maria Empanada, the Denver-based Argentinian empanada company, donated 6,000 empanadas to five Metro Denver nonprofits today with the goal to feed 750 families in need this holiday season. The five organizations are Mile High United Way, Clayton Early Learning, Warren Village, Elevate for Change and Food Bank of the Rockies.

Even though the federal government shutdown has ended, the ramifications will last for weeks. Many families will not receive food benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for several days. In addition, federal employees have not received paychecks for a month and half and are working to catch up on rent, utilities and other expenses.

“Many of the people affected by the cessation of SNAP benefits are people who come to Maria Empanada and who have supported us throughout the years. This is a moment when they need others to step in for them and to support them, and we didn’t hesitate to rise to the occasion. But we had a dream that could only be made possible in cooperation with an organization that has extensive tentacles in Denver and could get our food into the right hands at the right time and in the right way. That was Mile High United Way,” said Lorena Cantarovici, Maria Empanada CEO and founder

On Sunday, staff from Maria Empanada and the nonprofits baked the empanadas at Clayton Early Learning. Then on Monday, the empanadas were distributed to the nonprofits to give to the families they serve.

At Mile High United Way, the empanadas will go to families who participate in the Home Instruction for the Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. These families work with our in-home early education specialists to help parents prepare their children for kindergarten. The empanadas also went to families from Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap program, which connects young adults transitioning out of the child welfare system to stable housing and other wraparound services, including education and career opportunities and wellness support.

“The empanadas come at a critical time for our community,” said Christine Benero, president and CEO of Mile High United Way. “At Mile High United Way, we believe in a community united to create opportunities for all. This is a perfect example of how Coloradans come together to support and care for each other in times of need. We’re so grateful to Maria Empanada for making today possible and offering some hope to the families we serve.”

Clayton Early Learning plans to offer the empanadas to Clayton-enrolled families who visit the Clayton Cares Market, which provides children and families in need with a no-cost shopping experience.

“Clayton Early Learning is deeply grateful to Maria Empanada for this generous donation. At a time when so many families are feeling the strain, these empanadas are more than food — they are a reminder that our community shows up for one another. We are proud to work alongside these amazing community partners under the leadership of Mile High United Way to ensure families have what they need during this difficult moment. Coming together to feed hungry families reflects the very best of Colorado, and we’re honored to be part of this shared effort,” said William Browning, Clayton Early Learning president and CEO.

Warren Village will offer empanadas to the families at the organization’s supportive and transitional housing properties.

“Maria Empanada’s generosity is a powerful reminder that when times are tough, our Denver community shows up. These empanadas will help nourish Warren Village families who are struggling after the sudden loss of SNAP benefits and the ripple effects of the government shutdown. But more than that, this donation shows our families that they’re not alone. They know that there are people and businesses in this community who see them, care about them and are willing to step up when it matters most. We’re so grateful to Maria Empanada for their support,” said Ethan Hemming, Warren Village president and CEO.

Elevate for Change, formerly known as Papagayo, also will deliver empanadas to families.

“A huge thank you to Lorena and her team at Maria Empanada for this food donation that will be so meaningful to the families that we serve,” said Alexis Newton, Elevate for Change director of strategic partnerships and impact.

About Mile High United Way

Working side-by-side with the community, Mile High United Way takes on critical human services issues facing our seven-county footprint, including the Metro Denver, Boulder and Broomfield communities. Our united approach changes the odds for all children, families, and individuals in our community, so that all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more at unitedwaydenver.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayDenver.

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