Food Bank of the Rockies seeing increased demand

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Extra allocations for SNAP ended in February, and with the holiday season coming up and food costs rising, more people than ever are struggling to put food on the table.

Food Bank of the Rockies distributes to food pantries in 32 Colorado counties. Director Sue Ellen Rodwick told WesternSlopeNow the need has skyrocketed.

“Our distribution level continues to be about 25% more than pre-COVID.”

Of course, more food sent out means more money spent. The food bank’s Western Slope location is also spending three times more a month than it did pre-pandemic, and the increased food costs for the entire organization are astronomical.

“Pre-pandemic, we were spending about 300 thousand dollars a month, and now it’s about 3 million dollars.”

Rodwick says the food bank is grateful for donors, who helped them meet the increased need. Nearly three-fourths of the funds for the food bank come from individual donors, relying on organizations like community groups and giving clubs to make up the remaining percentages. But financial donations aren’t the only way you can support the organization.

“There’s people who maybe don’t have the means to give financially, but they can give of their time. We welcome anyone who wants to volunteer at our facility or at one of our mobile pantries,” Rodwick told WesternSlopeNow.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer for the Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies, visit their website.

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