Larimer food bank experiences more demand

It was only a matter of time before the sluggish economy—which has already hammered people in the pocketbooks—would also take a bite out of families' food budgets.

Although this time of year, with the holidays right around the corner, always puts a strain on area food banks, those charities are feeling more of a burden this year.

A line of more than 25 people with shopping carts spilled out the sides of the Food Bank for Larimer County, 1301 Blue Spruce Drive, one morning earlier this week. Food bank officials expect long lines to be a regular occurrence this holiday season.

Amy Pezzani, executive director of the food bank, guessed that the lines are related to layoffs in the area and residual effects of the poor economy.

The food bank this year has served at least 2,000 more people per month than last year, and families who used to shop at the food bank two times a month on average before September now shop on average three times a month, Pezzani said.

Heather Buoniconti, also of the food bank, said November to December every year is crunch time for the charity, and this year has been even more challenging.

“We're giving away so much more than we've had to in the past that it's hard to keep up with the demand,” Buoniconti said.

The food bank serves the community through three programs: Food Share, which is the charity's on-site food pantry; Food Link, which is a way the food bank partners with other charities; and Kids Café, which prepares after-school meals for students.

Buoniconti said the number of people served by Food Share has increased 25 percent from the same time last year.

Food Link has also seen a 41 percent increase in customers and food demand. And Kids Café now prepares 275- 300 meals after school for children compared to the 125-150 meals last year.

“We're trying to do everything we can,” said Buoniconti.

Although supplies are not down, Pezzani said it feels like it because the demand for food is so high. Cash donations are still coming in, but it smaller amounts.

“If people can't give $100 this year, they'll still give $75,” Pezzani said.

The food bank can turn $1 into four meals, Buoniconti said.

Despite the surge in demand for food and fewer cash donations this year, the food bank is not in danger of running out of either for the holidays.

Pezzani said the food bank's success is due to an extensive network of food from all over—not just one source, such as United Way, which supplies 3 percent of the charity’s food.

Although it's becoming increasingly harder to secure donations from businesses, food bank employees are still going to grocery stores in the community every day to pick up loads of edible but non-sellable food that would end up in landfills anyway.

How to Help To volunteer at the Food Bank of Larimer County, go to http://foodbanklarimer.org/ and fill out a volunteer application, or contact Charlene Olms at 530-3113 or colms@foodbanklarimer.org For more information on the Weld Food Bank, go to www.weldfoodbank.org or call (970) 356-2199. For more information on Food Share America, go to www.foodshareamerica.com or call (303) 428-0400.

***

The Weld Food Bank, 1108 H St., has also seen an increased demand for food this year.

More than 800 new families asking for help within the past three months, said Leona Martens, executive director of the Weld Food Bank.

Martens said the food bank, which is still helping families impacted by the tornado that hit Windsor in May, is on pace to exhaust its resources by the end of the year.

“We will make it over the holidays,” Martens said. “We have no idea what we will be doing Jan. 2, because at this rate we are going to be giving everything out that we have got.”

The holiday season is typically a busy time for the food bank, which works with 35 agencies throughout Weld County to distribute food, but Martens said there was a spike in need this year due to increasing costs and people losing their jobs.

“We got so many new folks that have been on the donating end, and now they are having hard times,” Martens said.

Saturday morning in front of the King Soopers, 1520 Main St., in Windsor, volunteers with the Weld Food Bank collected nonperishable foods.

Stephanie Smith, 28, of Windsor dropped off four bags of canned goods along with soap and toothpaste.

“I think I'm pretty lucky with the way things are,” Smith said. “I know a lot of people struggle, and things are pretty tough.”

The drive accumulated around 1,300 pounds of food by noon, which volunteers sifted through later that afternoon at the food bank.

Brian Coleman, 47, of Greeley sorted through bins of canned peas and boxes of cereal Saturday afternoon, examining expiration dates before segregating the food.

Coleman volunteered along with 12 other members of the Greeley Institute of Religion, a University of Northern Colorado Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints organization.

“I think it is important to help out,” said Kristin Nelson, 26, with the church. “Even as hard as these times are there are people worse off than myself.”

Other food charities have seen similar increases in demand this fall.

The nonprofit organization Food Share America, formerly SHARE Colorado, helps residents of Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming save around 50 percent on groceries.

The program, which is open to anyone, purchases common items such as fish, vegetables or meats through a national affiliate and sells them at a discounted rate.

Rhonda Woodruff, marketing director for Food Share America, said with the slumping economy and holidays around the corner, she has seen an increase in orders.

“I attribute that to the holiday season, and people might be buying some extra packages for people in need,” Woodruff said.

Despite the recent increase in orders, Woodruff said they have had no problem filling them.

“It's open to anybody and everybody,” Woodruff said. 'Someone can order as much food as they want or as little as they want.”

Tribune reporter David Young contributed to this story.