Food bank to benefit from Empty Stocking Fund

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

When Deanne Zamora of Wellington was divorced a few years ago, she found herself supporting her young children with a wage that was insufficient for their needs.

Her ex-husband does not provide child support, so she depends on the Food Bank for Larimer County to help stretch her budget. The food bank, she said, "really helps to fill the gaps between paychecks."

The local food bank is one of seven agencies in northern Colorado that will benefit from this year's Empty Stocking Fund, a holiday fund-raising campaign. These agencies help community members who are struggling to meet basic needs. Some families are on the verge of achieving self-sufficiency but need a little help to get over the hump.

The El Pomar Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, spearheaded the Empty Stocking Fund last year. This year, the foundation is kicking off the fund drive with a $100,000 contribution in response to the economic crisis and its effect on struggling families. In addition, El Pomar will match the first $300,000 raised locally, matching $1 for every $3 contributed by community members.

Last year, the local effort raised $96,000.

Food bank helps

Zamora, 27, has four children ages 2 to 10. She visits the food bank four or five times each month for staples such as milk, fresh vegetables and snacks for the children.

With a low-paying job, Zamora also relies on other forms of assistance to get by. She lives in an apartment owned by the Wellington Housing Authority, so her rent is subsidized. She also receives Medicaid.

Nonetheless, Zamora said, it's very difficult to pay the monthly utility bills and buy gas for the commute from Wellington to Fort Collins, where she works.

"The kids want to do sports, and it's hard to get the cash for that," she added.

Zamora comes from a close-knit family, and her sister and mother help care for her children when she's at work. Her sister, Amy Hall of Fort Collins, also helps out with money for diapers and other necessities.

"I was brought up to help my family," Hall said.

Nonetheless, Hall works at a minimum-wage job herself, and she also relies on the food bank for assistance.

"A wage of $7.25 an hour doesn't go far when your rent is $500," Hall pointed out.

If it weren't for the food bank, the sisters agreed, they would have to ask their family or local churches for assistance.

Hall, 25, is trying to escape from the low-wage trap by taking classes at Front Range Community College. Her goal is to complete her education at Colorado State University and become a special-needs teacher.

Food demand up

With the current economic downturn, the food bank is struggling to meet the rising demands of low-income families. The increase in use of the food bank since a year ago is staggering, according to development director Heather Buoniconti. Both September and October were record-breaking months, she noted. In October alone, the Food Share program served more than 11,000 people, a 25 percent increase over a year ago.

"It's been crazy," Buoniconti said.

Food Share is the largest of three programs run by the food bank, which has locations in both Fort Collins and Loveland. Food Share clients may come to the food pantry up to two times each week and shop for groceries at no charge if they meet the eligibility guidelines.

The food bank's other programs have also seen huge increases in the past year. Food Link, which provides food to local nonprofits such as Catholic Charities Northern, delivered 41 percent more food this September than last. The Kids Cafe, which serves after-school meals to children at six sites in Larimer County, has doubled the number of children served compared with a year ago.

Buoniconti attributes the increased demand to people being laid off from their jobs or having their hours reduced. In some cases, the increased cost of food has pushed families over the edge.

"It's tough for us," said Buoniconti, "because we haven't decreased the amount of food we give clients."

Costs are up with the increased demand, both for purchasing food and for transportation.

Donations needed

The Food Bank for Larimer County needs donations of both food and funds to help make the holiday season brighter for its clients. This time of year, frozen turkeys and other fixings for holiday baskets are especially appreciated. Food donations may be dropped off at the food bank, 1301 Blue Spruce Drive in north Fort Collins.

Cash donations are always welcome, Buoniconti noted, because the food bank can stretch each dollar a long way. "For one dollar, we can buy four meals' worth of food," she said.

Kathay Rennels, Larimer County commissioner and member of an advisory board that helped to establish the Empty Stocking Fund, said the program provides "another great opportunity to step up as a community and show that we really care about our neighbors in need."