Help Us Fight Hunger: Northern Colorado Food Bank Faces 230% Increase in Demand – Here’s How You Can Make a Difference!

The Weld Food Bank in Greeley is reaching out for help as the holiday season closes in. Located just north of downtown, the food bank is facing a staggering $700,000 funding gap. This year, they’ve seen a surge in demand, with visits hitting around 30,000 a month—up 230% for their emergency food program.

Russell Murphey, a regular visitor, shared, “It used to be just a few people in line, but now it wraps around the block. Grocery prices are skyrocketing, so we rely on the food bank to stretch our budget.”

Despite their commitment to serving the community, the staff is struggling to keep up. Weston Edmonds, Marketing Director, pointed out that the amount of food being distributed far exceeds the donations coming in. “Some days, we can’t even put together a full meal,” he admitted.

The rising cost of living is a significant factor. Recent cuts to SNAP benefits are expected to increase the food bank’s traffic. Edmonds noted, “Money just doesn’t last like it used to. It impacts our entire community.”

The food bank has also seen a decline in essential food donations, like meat, milk, and eggs. Five years ago, they spent about $400,000 a year on food purchases. This figure is now projected to soar to nearly $4 million in 2025. They do have a reserve fund to help cover some of the shortfall, but dipping into those savings isn’t a sustainable solution.

In a time when food insecurity is rising, organizations like the Weld Food Bank are crucial. It’s a reminder of the need for support in our communities. As the holiday season approaches, let’s rally to help those who are struggling to put food on the table.

For more insights into food insecurity and community support, check out reports from sources like the USDA and Feeding America.



Source link