Bienvenidos Food Bank Sees a 100% Increase in Families Who Need Food – Now Serving 9,000 Monthly
2023 has been an unprecedented year of demand for Bienvenidos Food Bank, which provides emergency and supplemental for Metro Denver residents. The food bank had a 100% increase in new families and a 68% increase in overall visits. It served 45,000 families in 2023, up from 25,000 last year.
DENVER, December 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - 2023 has been an unprecedented year of demand for Bienvenidos Food Bank, which provides emergency and supplemental for Metro Denver residents. The food bank had a 100% increase in new families and a 68% increase in overall visits. It served 45,000 families in 2023, up from 25,000 last year.
The lapse in COVID era federal assistance has caused local families to lose $90 in benefits each month on average. When paired with high inflation and rising rents, families are forced to choose between paying for food or keeping their lights on. Denver has been experiencing a surge in immigrants, an average of 200 per day, needing immediate assistance as they start their new lives in Colorado.
Bienvenidos’ Executive Director Greg Pratt says, “We’ve had more people come to the food bank than ever before and our numbers have continued to increase each week. We’re meeting demand as best we can.” Bienvenidos clients take home on average $150 worth of food each visit. “It’s been a challenging time, trying to understand where our clients come from and what they need,” he added. “We’re learning every week how best to meet demand.”
Due to this crisis, Bienvenidos Food Bank, a cornerstone in the North Denver community, needs more resources than ever and depends on the generosity of local businesses and residents. One of those local partners, Red Egg Marketing, fulfills an annual tradition of running a food drive and fundraiser, and has furthered their commitment to the non-profit by developing and donating a brand-new website to the nonprofit.
Ryan Ellis, owner of Red Egg Marketing, says “We love being a part of the Sunnyside community and it breaks my heart to know that families in our neighborhood struggle to put food on the table. We are proud to do our part in facilitating donations each year to ensure Bienvenidos is able to focus on their mission and feed as many mouths as possible.”
This year’s campaign aims to surpass previous achievements, with a goal of collecting over $10,000 worth of food for those in need. The food drive will run from Nov. 29 – Jan. 31. Denver residents and local businesses are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items at one of these locations. Or donate online at: https://redeggmarketing.com/holiday-food-drive through January 31.
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Source: Bienvenidos Food Bank