Volunteers at the Food Bank of the Rockies in Grand Junction are working to address a significant rise in food insecurity across the Western Slope, with an estimated one out of seven Mesa County residents currently facing hunger. For children in the county, this rate climbs to one out of five. These local efforts come as Colorado experiences an elevated food insecurity rate not seen since 2014, making the need for community support particularly urgent during September's Hunger Action Month.
Every day, the Food Bank of the Rockies in Grand Junction plays a critical role in ensuring families have access to meals across a wide area. The organization distributes approximately 30,000 meals daily across 12 counties throughout the Western Slope region. This extensive network aims to reach communities where access to nutritious food might otherwise be limited, helping residents in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and beyond.
As part of these ongoing efforts, the food bank recently hosted a "Family Volunteer Night" where local families, including children, gathered to package food. These packaged goods are then sent to mobile food pantries, which Amber Henning, the food bank's Director of Development and Community Relations, noted make food accessible for people in need. Among the volunteers participating was Henning herself, alongside her 12-year-old son, Brody.
Henning stated that these family night events typically draw between 65 and 75 volunteers, though the food bank offers volunteer opportunities every workday. She explained that the events serve as a "fun celebration" and a means to bring people together while highlighting the local need. Her son, Brody, shared his perspective on volunteering, remarking that it is "really cool because it’s just really helpful." He added that it is nice, and that it doesn't matter if you're a kid or an adult—you just need to do it.
The food distributed by the Food Bank of the Rockies includes items like chicken, crackers, pasta, and beans. Henning emphasized that these are familiar and nutritious options designed to help individuals build the stable food supply needed to thrive in the community. The mobile pantries are a key component of their distribution strategy, ensuring that these vital resources reach people directly in various Western Slope locations.
With September designated as Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank of the Rockies continues to rely on community involvement to sustain its operations. Anyone interested in supporting these efforts through volunteering or donating can find more information via the organization.
