“The fact is, most of us need help at some point in our lives,” said Lory Barton, Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund, of LEAF, executive director.
On Dec. 20, LEAF is hosting its annual Super Duper Food Pantry in Lyons. Sponsored by Cemex, the event allows roughly 10% of Lyons residents, or 200 people, to take home a box of food that will get them through the holiday season.
“LEAF’s Food Pantry is a critical part of the Lyons community, providing a local and convenient spot for families to get food each week. Cemex is a proud supporter of LEAF throughout the year and is looking forward to sponsoring, volunteering and donating items for this larger-than-normal food pantry, helping those in need during the holiday season,” said Michael Clausen, Corporate Social Responsibility manager for Cemex.
In a year, LEAF supports around 25% of the Lyons community. The town does not have a local grocery store and people struggle to get food due to a lack of transportation to a nearby city — such as Longmont or Boulder.
Many of those who visit LEAF also qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits which have been reduced to $27 per person each month.
“High housing and food costs are hurting people the most. With rising costs of living outpacing wages, our guests include people with full-time jobs, gig workers, people who are looking for work, families with children, aging or disabled people living on fixed incomes, multigenerational households, and anyone else who lives or works in the Greater Lyons area or whose children attend local schools and who needs a bit of support,” Barton said.
While Cemex and Lyons Elementary School are donating food to the pantry, it may still not be enough. With school approaching winter break, students will not have access to school meals. LEAF would like to make sure families have enough food to get through the break.
“LEAF is always in need of food, including protein (frozen beef, pork, poultry, canned meats, canned chili, ravioli, etc.), flavored rice (pilaf, Mexican, long grain & wild, Spanish, etc.), canned beans (pinto, refried, garbanzo, kidney, baked), canned tomato products, cereal, bottled juices, fruit & applesauce cups, fresh produce, bread, and rolls. Other items needed include household items, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues), cleaning products, laundry products and personal hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, disposable razors and feminine products),” Barton listed.
Those willing to make a donation to help the people of Lyons can do so online, by mailing a check to PO Box 324, Lyons, CO 80504 or by dropping off donations at the pantry, located at 350 Main St. in Lyons, on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The pantry will be closed on Dec. 27.
“Donations to LEAF during the holidays are especially important, as we feed more people and provide even higher quantities of food at the Super Duper Pantry on December 20. We want to help make sure every household in our community has enough food to enjoy the holidays this year,” Barton said.
