Addressing Community Food Needs: A Call to Action for Change

This week, I had an exciting time connecting with local food nonprofits. I met Ryan Warner from Colorado Public Radio at the new 7th St. Community Cafe in Grand Junction. Last year, we recorded a fun show at A&M Creations in Delta, so it was great to catch up again.

Ryan was here to engage with various topics and interview Governor Polis about issues in western Colorado. I suggested we meet at the cafe, and he agreed. It was fascinating to see how a radio program is produced, especially as Ryan chatted with Chef Kaye Davis about her journey in food and farming. They even captured the lively sounds of the kitchen!

During their discussion, Executive Director Alisha Wenger shared that the cafe is partnered with the Community Food Bank. It’s right by St. Mary’s Hospital and offers a range of delicious and healthy meals. Their Santa Fe turkey sandwich is popular, and surprisingly, vegan tempeh bacon has become a hit too! The cafe serves fresh salads, soups, and quiche—something for everyone.

Alisha mentioned that in the past year, they distributed nearly a million pounds of nutritious food to about 12,000 people in the area. This accounts for around 8% of our county’s population, and less than 2% of these individuals are unhoused. Their work acts like a safety net, helping to tackle food insecurity and promote better health.

Expect to hear more about this cafe when Colorado Public Radio airs their program soon. Ryan’s thoughtful questions really bring insights to light.

The next day, I met Governor Polis at the Food Bank of the Rockies, where he learned about food insecurity in Mesa County and signed a proclamation for Food Action Day. He even observed how peaches are dehydrated, a smart way to reduce food waste. The 7th St. Community Cafe also uses imperfect fruits to make healthy snacks.

I admire our community’s dedication to combatting food insecurity. The Community Food Bank and the Food Bank of the Rockies are two distinct organizations, each playing a vital role. They are miles apart and both contribute significantly to the well-being of our region. You can visit their sites for more on what they offer: Community Food Bank and Food Bank of the Rockies.

Another great resource is Meals on Wheels, which shares a building with the Food Bank of the Rockies. They provide hot meals to seniors in the area Monday to Friday. I volunteered there during the pandemic and recommend getting involved.

The needs in our community are growing. If you can help out by volunteering or donating, it would make a tremendous difference. It was a joy to meet so many passionate individuals working tirelessly to ease hunger in our area. I look forward to more opportunities with Ryan Warner and Governor Polis in the future. Together, we can make a positive impact!

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cuisine, foods, cooking, grand junction, colorado, food bank