Colorado Food Pantries Expand Services to Meet Rising Demand: How You Can Help

In response to a growing need in the community, Colorado’s Village Exchange Center is expanding its food distribution days. Now, families in need can receive help on both Wednesdays and Thursdays. This change aims to better support those facing food insecurity in the area.

Previously, the center only offered food on Wednesdays. With more people seeking assistance, the pantry decided to double its service days. The hours for both days remain the same, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Bhim Bhattarai, the program manager at Village Exchange Center, shared that last week they served 827 families in just one day. "We’re not increasing the number of families served; we’re just spreading them out over two days," he explained. This approach helps reduce the crowd and ensures a safer environment for everyone.

Despite these efforts, the center is dealing with funding challenges. "We’ve had to cut back on purchases. Most of our supplies come from donations," Bhattarai noted. This situation is concerning, especially as the pantry is committed to supporting immigrant, refugee, and low-income families in Aurora. Many visitors are new and seeking help for the first time.

The pantry’s offerings include essential dry goods like rice, lentils, pasta, and canned foods, along with fresh produce and other staples. Each dry grocery bag contains items worth about $25 to $30 if bought at a grocery store. Volunteers play a crucial role by assembling produce bags every week.

Bhattarai, who arrived in Aurora as a refugee himself in 2015, understands the importance of these services. "I was once a client here," he said. "Now, I’m proud to give back to the community that helped me."

However, the long-term sustainability of the program is uncertain. Food donations from partners like Food Bank of the Rockies have been significantly reduced, and items such as diapers and baby supplies are increasingly hard to find. This trend reflects a broader issue; food banks across the country are experiencing similar challenges. According to recent data from Feeding America, many food banks report a drop in food supplies and increased demand due to rising living costs and inflation.

Despite these obstacles, Bhattarai remains optimistic. "We appreciate any support we can get, whether it’s food donations, volunteering, or simply raising awareness about what we do."

For more information about the Village Exchange Center and ways to help, you can visit their website here.

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