Unexpected Closure of Colorado Springs Church Food Pantry Leaves Needy Families in Despair

A vital food support program in Colorado Springs, run by the Church of the Lord of Glory, has unexpectedly shut down. This closure comes at a time when demand for charitable food is rising among low-income families and homeless individuals.

Manna, the food program, halted operations in the last week of August. Volunteers at local food pantries were taken by surprise. One volunteer at the Westside Community Center pantry shared, “It was sudden. We didn’t know how we’d manage without them.” They received a notice on August 26 but lacked details on the reasons for the closure.

Manna had been a go-to source for essentials like bread, produce, and meat, relying on donations from local grocery stores. The loss is felt deeply. The Westside Community Center volunteer noted, “We’ll miss their service and the relationships we built.”

Historical Context:
Manna operated for years, helping many families find food. The Church of the Lord of Glory, which bought its historic building in 2012, played a central role in community support.

As of now, the church’s phone is off, and its website is inactive. People are still showing up, expecting food, only to find the doors closed. “I heard they had food,” said one man who arrived hoping for help.

The need for food assistance is growing. This year alone, five pantries in the area have shut down, according to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado. Their president, Nate Springer, reported a significant drop in food supplies, estimating they will get 2-3 million pounds less than normal this fiscal year. “We are seeing more people than ever reaching out for help,” he added.

Local pantries are feeling the pressure. The Westside Community Center pantry is serving between 800 and 1,000 people monthly, highlighting a growing crisis. On a single day, they served 300 individuals.

Other organizations are stepping up. Mercy’s Gate, for instance, served over 16,000 people last year and continues to connect families with resources. Executive Director Jon Serio emphasized the critical role churches play in supporting their work.

Meanwhile, inflation is intensifying food challenges for families. Renee Beebe from Crossfire Ministries noted that although the number of individuals needing assistance remains steady, households require larger amounts of food now. They serve 450 to 500 households daily, with high-demand items being staples like pasta and cereal.

In light of these challenges, the community’s response is crucial. Care and Share plans to participate in Hunger Action Day on September 9, seeking donations to meet growing needs.

To learn more about support options, you can visit Westside Cares and Crossfire Ministries. The community is coming together—so let’s keep that spirit alive.

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