The Weld Food Bank is facing a tough situation. Increased demand for food services and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding have pushed the organization to expand its distribution hours. In just a few years, the number of people the food bank serves daily has skyrocketed from 300 in 2020 to about 1,700 today.
Stephanie Gausch, the Chief Development Officer, highlights that the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have played a major role in this surge. Demand began to rise significantly around March 2022, and it hasn’t slowed down since, increasing by 200 to 300 people each year.
In Colorado, roughly 615,000 people were affected by the SNAP funding freeze in October, with children making up more than half of that number. Although those benefits have been restored, many still struggle to put food on the table, according to CEO Bob O’Connor. Many of the people who seek help do not qualify for SNAP but are in need nonetheless.
Traditionally, food banks have relied on surplus food to meet demands. But Gausch explains that the excess food that used to be available for redistribution just isn’t there anymore.
The Weld Food Bank aims for a $7 million budget for 2025, with about $5.5 million expected from donations. Unfortunately, smaller donations of $50 or $100 are declining, even though larger donations have increased. This situation has left the food bank with a $700,000 budget shortfall, leading to the launch of the “Bridge the Gap” campaign to help cover the gap.
In recent surveys, it was found that food insecurity levels have risen significantly, with about 1 in 8 Americans facing some form of this challenge. This situation isn’t just a local issue; it’s part of a larger national trend. Experts warn that food banks across the country are experiencing similar struggles due to rising costs and increasing demand.
Social media is buzzing with discussions around food insecurity, urging communities to support local food banks and raise awareness of the challenges many families face today. With current economic pressures, it’s vital to pay attention to these issues and find ways to help those in need.
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