DENVER -- The Colorado Legislature has allocated an additional $5 million to help address an unprecedented rise in hunger across the state as part of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The state's food pantries and food banks have until this Sunday to apply for grants.
Jason Harrison, community food systems manager for Hunger Free Colorado, said calls to their confidential food-resource hotline have more than tripled since the onset of the public-health crisis.
"Almost one in three people in Colorado is facing some form of food insecurity or hunger," he said. "We've seen up to 10 times the amount of clients in communities accessing food-pantry services right now."
Forty-five percent of those facing hunger in Colorado are families with children, and communities of color and people with disabilities have been affected disproportionately. Food banks and pantries can apply for grant money through the Colorado Department of Human Services. Harrison said help with the application process is available by calling 303-228-7983.
Federal food relief through the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes to an end this month, and unless Congress passes additional relief, Colorado is expected to lose an estimated $6 million a month in food resources. Harrison said Coloradans don't have to wait to help pantries meet the increased demand.
"For folks who are in a better position right now during this pandemic," he said, "there is immediate needs in volunteering, immediate needs for donations, but there are also opportunities to engage long term."
The Food Pantry Assistance Grant Program passed with strong bipartisan support in a special session and should help at least 150 food pantries and Colorado's five food banks. In addition to direct food purchasing, grant recipients can use up to 20% of their award to cover food distribution costs, including transportation, home delivery, refrigeration and staffing.
