With school closures and a record number of unemployment claims filed, many people are worrying how they will feed their families. Our community has rallied to support the UCHealth Family Medicine Center (FMC) Food Pantry, which partners with Food Bank for Larimer County to provide fresh food to those suffering from food insecurity.
Before the pandemic, the FMC Food Pantry averaged 818 visits and served 882 individuals (420 unique households) per month. The numbers are growing as the pandemic continues. Here are a few ways individuals and organizations are supporting the pantry in this time of increased need:
- The pantry is among the recipients of the first grants from the Northern Colorado COVID-19 Response Fund established by Community Foundation of Northern Colorado and United Way of Larimer County.
- Rainbow Restaurant donated all of its perishable produce (around 300 pounds) and some frozen goods when the owners decided to temporarily close during the pandemic.
- The Nappie Project diaper bank has helped make sure the pantry has a full supply of diapers in all sizes.
- Food Bank for Larimer County has reduced all its shared maintenance fees and provided all donated items at no cost to its participating agencies, FMC pantry included.
- The UCHealth Community Health Improvement program has provided staff to fill gaps left by volunteers who are no longer able to assist as they follow the stay-at-home order.
- FMC has been helping staff the pantry with medical residents two to three times per week.
- Hunger Free has created an online platform for pantries to share ideas, ask questions, and gain access to important updates.
The pantry is located at 1025 Pennock Place, Suite 109, Fort Collins, and is open to patients and non-patients. Patrons can shop up to two times each week. For hours and other information, call 970.495.8946 or email Laura.Elliot@uchealth.org.
