Food Bank for Larimer County

A Vista volunteer founded the Food Bank for Larimer County in 1984 to avoid duplication of food collection and distribution efforts by nonprofit agencies. We are the only Feeding America clearinghouse for donated and rescued food in Larimer County. The Food Bank currently employs 22 staff, and is supported by hundreds of volunteers. With a 32,600 square foot facility, 6 trucks, and 27,000 cubic feet of freezer and refrigerator space, the Food Bank is equipped to store and distribute large quantities of food. Hunger continues to be a rising health and social issue nationally, regionally and locally. According to the three year (2005-2007) averages from the American Community Surveys, the number of people living below the poverty line in Larimer County has increased more than 51% since 2000. People seeking assistance from the Food Bank are at risk of food insecurity or hunger. Food security is defined as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Approximately 12% of those living in Colorado are suffering from hunger insecurity. Locally, the numbers of people seeking hunger relief assistance is on the rise as well. The fastest growing segment of the hungry is the working poor. Low wage jobs, lack of health insurance and high housing costs contribute dramatically to the demand for food from our warehouse. To address the rapidly increasing need we reach at-risk people by providing food through three primary services to the community: Food Share; Kids Cafe ®; and Food Link.