Grand Junction, Colo. (KKCO) – The Food Bank of the Rockies, a stalwart in the battle against hunger, has witnessed a staggering surge in demand for its services across the Western Slope, with attendance at its mobile pantries soaring by a remarkable 190% over the past year.
Responding to this pressing need, retail giants Walmart and Sam’s Club have joined forces with the Food Bank, forging a formidable alliance aimed at bolstering community support and resilience. Sue Ellen Rodwick, Western Slope Director for Food Bank of the Rockies, lauds the pivotal role of these partnerships in combating hunger:
“Our collaboration with Walmart and Sam’s Club stands as a testament to our shared commitment to alleviating food insecurity. They are indispensable allies in our fight against hunger, generously donating over 2.5 million pounds of food annually for our Western Slope service area. This translates to a remarkable 1.6 million meals that we can capture and redistribute to our Hunger Relief Partners.”
The expansive reach of the Food Rescue Program extends to over 180 retail locations across the Western Slope, fostering a robust network of donors dedicated to combating hunger in the region.
Trica Ricca, a manager at a Sam’s Club store, extols the virtues of participating in this program, emphasizing its mutually beneficial nature:
“Being part of the Food Rescue Program is truly a win-win opportunity. It empowers my friends, my family, and my neighbors to access vital food supplies through local pantries, supplied by our donations, thereby enabling them to sustain their families during challenging times.”
Beyond the Food Rescue Program, Walmart and Sam’s Club are rallying Colorado shoppers to support their fellow community members grappling with food insecurity through the ongoing Fight Hunger. Spark Change campaign, slated to run until April 29. Shoppers can engage with the initiative in three impactful ways:
- Making donations at checkout in stores or clubs, or rounding up purchases at Walmart.com and the Walmart app
- Purchasing select products in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com
- Contributing directly to Feeding America’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either FeedingAmerica.org/Walmart or FeedingAmerica.org/SamsClub
