A food bank in Rocky Mountain National Park is facing a great influx of food donations this year in response to the state-wide food shortage during the month of January. The largest food bank in the Rocky Mountain area predicted that the number of people reaching out for help would continue to increase in coming months. This comes as President Trump declared a national emergency declaration for the month of January due to the severe flooding and drought in Colorado and Wyoming. The declaration makes it possible for federal funds to be released to assist in meeting the food demands. Although the president has not yet mentioned what he will do regarding food bank issues specifically, he has mentioned helping families with children and the “working class.”
Food Bank of the Rocky Mountains – CEO womanela Jones expressed concerns about the worsening conditions in Colorado and Wyoming due to record heat and record rainfall. She went so far as to say that the “situation looks like an earthquake.” The Rocky Mountain region experienced one of its worst droughts on record. Even the forecast for the month of March was calling for above normal precipitation. With the CO VID-19 food crisis increasing food scarcity across Colorado and Wyoming, Food Bank of the Rocky Mountain warned that it distributed nearly 41% more food per day in fiscal year ending January than in fiscal year ending last year.
The food bank – also distributed nearly nine million pounds of fuel to the needy through its partner agencies. It is reported that these agencies have distributed nearly one million pounds of food to people in shelters. Food bank officials believe that the increase in food bank usage is due to the record heat over the past week. Many areas saw over one degree above normal in temperature during the days of the heat.
Extreme heat has resulted in a spike in food – bank usage across Colorado and Wyoming. The numbers are still uncertain, but the food bank reported that it serves two families for every one family served by a food pantry. That’s pretty good, but food pantries serve twice as many families. That means twice the people. That’s an enormous food deficit!
The Rockies see – this as an opportunity to do something good for both themselves and for the environment. Jones said that the food bank will continue to operate even if it doesn’t make a lot of food. She added, “But we’re looking at double-dumping our emergency food supplies if necessary to fill the void this week.” The Rockies said they plan to be active participants in food assistance programs until the state gets back on its feet from the extreme heat wave. Then they’ll be ready to step up our serving capacity if the state or federal government needs them.
Jones emphasized the point – that these food banks serve not only people in crisis but also people who want better diets and more nutritious foods. The Rockies have done their part. Now, it’s up to the rest of the world to take action and help feed the people of Colorado and Wyoming through food assistance.
There’s plenty of food bank help available both through volunteers and corporate partners, both in terms of donations and buying food.
