COLORADO, USA — Local food banks are looking for donations to help assist the many Coloradans who are facing difficult times due to COVID-19 related job closures.
COVID-19 is a virus that first appeared in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and was declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11.
> Video: Food banks in Summit County feeling the impact amid COVID-19 outbreak.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Polis has made several executive orders, including all non-critical places of employment to reduce in-person workforce by 50% at the minimum. Gathering places like theaters and casinos have closed, and bars and restaurants are closed to in-person dining. Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) has seen a surge of unemployment claims.
For over 37 years, 9Cares Colorado Shares has been the region’s largest single-day food drive. Now taking place twice a year, this vital event supports over 130 food banks in the Denver metro area.
9Cares Colorado Shares partners with Food Bank of the Rockies, King Soopers, Arc Thrift Stores and many others to make this a success. 9Cares Colorado Shares is supporting the ongoing need for food through Feeding Colorado and local food banks.
Feeding Colorado is the collaborative effort of the five Colorado food banks to coordinate and enhance food resources. Together, they provide food to all 64 counties in Colorado and distribute food to more than 1,500 non-profit agencies statewide. These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, daycare centers and residential treatment centers along with senior and youth programs that serve all segments of our communities.
Last year, the five Colorado food banks distributed a combined 98 million pounds of food to those in need.
Feeding Colorado works with Colorado farmers and manufacturers to secure food, so donations not only support those in need, but also the Colorado economy.
You can donate to Feeding Colorado here.
You can also donate directly to your local food bank. More information about each is below:
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