UCHealth Family Medicine Center food pantry fills need for food support

As the economic effects of COVID-19 continue, many people struggle to afford groceries. The UCHealth Family Medicine Center (FMC) food pantry, which partners with Food Bank for Larimer County, helps provide fresh food to those suffering 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.

“In July, we saw 160 new, unique shoppers at the FMC pantry,” said Laura Elliot, program coordinator. “This is a huge increase. As COVID-19 continues to progress and we see more detrimental economic effects, we anticipate our numbers to continue to rise.”

Recently, Lynda, a new food pantry client, sent a note of thanks.

“My husband lost his job due to the COVID pandemic. Having to feed a family of four on his unemployment benefits was tough. At the FMC pantry I am able to select from a preprinted list of foods available that day. I can choose only the fresh foods that we need and leave off the packaged items that wouldn’t get eaten. I was thrilled after my first pickup at FMC. We received ample fresh vegetables like cabbage and squash, fruit, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, and yogurt. The food from the FMC pantry is making an enormous difference to my family. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!”

If you would like to help, please consider making a monetary gift to the food pantry: Go to our online donation page and select FMC Food Pantry in the Designation drop-down box.