The Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of individuals seeking support since the discontinuation of these benefits.
The recent rollback of emergency SNAP allotments, which were implemented at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an increase in demand for food assistance
Prior to the elimination of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments, the Etkin Family Distribution Center of the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope distributed less than 800,000 pounds of food on a monthly basis by the end of 2022. However, in March, the distribution surged to over a million pounds, and in April, approximately 956,000 pounds of food were distributed to partner organizations and mobile pantries.
Sue Ellen Rodwick, Director of the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope, expressed concern over the termination of the emergency SNAP allotments, which resulted in an average reduction of $90 per person in households receiving SNAP benefits. As anticipated, this has prompted a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance from hunger relief partners and mobile pantries. Partner organizations have reported a 40% rise in visitor numbers, and the Orchard Mesa mobile pantry saw an influx of first-time visitors in April, accounting for 70% of its attendees.
Rodwick emphasized that the Food Bank of the Rockies’ Western Slope region faces the highest concentration of food insecurity, with a substantial portion of food assistance being distributed in Grand Junction and Mesa County. To accommodate the heightened demand, the food bank expanded its distribution territory to include Ouray and San Miquel counties last month.
The organization’s new distribution center opened the previous year, has played a crucial role in effectively meeting the increased need
Rodwick disclosed that the food bank is currently seeking additional food donations and volunteers to address the growing requirements of the Western Slope region. Those interested in contributing or finding out more about these opportunities can visit foodbankrockies.org/ws.
In summary, the termination of emergency SNAP allotments has led to a surge in demand for food assistance, with the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope witnessing a substantial increase in food distribution. The organization is actively seeking support from the community to meet the rising needs of individuals and families in the region.
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