Who is the Progressive Pantry?

At The Progressive Pantry, culinary passion meets community spirit. Nestled in the heart of Colorado, we are more than just about your pantry; we are a movement dedicated to celebrating and supporting local food artisans. Our shelves are stocked with handpicked, locally sourced pantry staples that reflect our commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity. By prioritizing products from women and BIPOC producers, we strive to create a diverse and vibrant food culture. Join us on this flavorful journey as we bring the freshest ingredients and the richest flavors from our community to your table, fostering a stronger, more resilient local economy with every bite.

Carolyn King

My journey from social work to The Progressive Pantry is a testament to finding my passion after a lifetime of service. After many years dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities, I hit the wall. I knew that my next act had to ignite my true passion and give me something to believe in, as much as, if not more than, social work. 

But what? My career as a stand up comedian was just not in the cards. 

I always felt a pull towards the food industry but had very few opportunities for a way in. It took years, but I finally found my niche. The Progressive Pantry is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting local food artisans in getting their products into the hands of consumers. We currently run three Farmer’s Market stands. And, we have developed Spice School, UnDrunk Brunch and The Fresher Than Fresh Recipes.

Yes, it’s social work with food!  And, yes, we do laugh a lot around here!

Charles Stoy

Charles Stoy (Charlie) brings a blend of discipline and entrepreneurial spirit to The Progressive Pantry. A former lieutenant in corrections, Charles has a keen understanding of structure and management, which he combines with his business acumen to help run The Progressive Pantry.

Charlie’s passion for coffee is more than a hobby. He once ran his own coffee shop. But now roasts his own beans at home. When coffee appears on the product line up, you know that it has been vetted and taste approved by him, the ultimate java head. His meticulous approach to coffee roasting reflects his broader commitment to quality and excellence, which is evident in every product offered at The Progressive Pantry.

Together, Carolyn and Charlie are building a community-focused enterprise that not only provides high-quality pantry staples but also fosters connections between consumers and local producers. Their shared commitment to local sourcing and sustainability drives their mission to create a pantry that is truly progressive—one that supports the local economy, promotes diverse and global cooking, and nurtures a sense of community.