Since April 1998, Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies (WSFBR) has helped provide food assistance for children, seniors and families in need on Colorado’s Western Slope. WSFBR currently serves the counties of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco.
In the area served by WSFBR, almost 40,000 people live in poverty and struggle to meet their basic food needs; 10,000 of them are children. Hunger is especially hard on children, who must have proper nutrition to grow and learn.
Last year WSFBR distributed 1.25 million pounds of food and essential items. That equals 962,000 total meals or 2,600 meals each day for our less fortunate neighbors in need of a helping hand.
In 2000, WSFBR built a warehouse designed to better serve
hunger-relief programs in the region. Last year, WSFBR distributed dry, frozen and refrigerated food, as well as non-food items to 115 local hunger-relief programs serving people in need on the Western Slope.
To reach children in need, WSFBR opened its first Kids Cafe site in July 2004. The Kids Cafe program provides hot, nutritious after-school meals during the school year and hot lunches during school breaks to low income children 6 to 18 years of age. The menus are based on USDA nutrition guidelines.
In July 2006, WSFBR held its First Annual Poker Run on a 100+ degree day. This 100 mile ride over the Grand Mesa had 45 riders, who at the end came roaring into WSFBR, sweaty and sunburned but with mile-wide grins, knowing they had participated in an event to help people in need. This fun, successful event will continue yearly.
To donate time, food or funds to help people in need on the Western Slope, contact Starlene Collins at 970 243-3937 or scollins@foodbankrockies.org.
Hours of Operation:
Monday - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday - 8 a.m. to 12 noon
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