Chowed down at Longmont's inaugural pizza festival; 4 hunger-relief organizations got $15K each

The inaugural Colorado Pizza Festival in downtown Longmont on Sept. 5 drew 7,000 tickets sold and raised $60,000 for hunger relief, organizers said. Four food-insecurity nonprofits each received $15,000: Colorado FriendShip, Longmont Food Rescue, Community Food Share and Slice Out Hunger. Colorado FriendShip will use the money to support its IncrEdibles Food Program, which provides weekend bags for students in the St. Vrain Valley School District. The program serves 675 kids across 15 SVVSD schools every weekend. Organizers said last year Colorado FriendShip spent $165,600 on programs and food. Longmont Food Rescue plans to buy locally produced food, expand free distribution events and its Community Fridge program. The festival was also billed as a kickoff for Hunger Action Month.