Press Release: Gov. & Lt. Gov. Volunteer to Distribute Food
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009
CONTACT:
Myung Oak Kim, 303.947.5708, myung.kim@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER AND LT. GOVERNOR O'BRIEN INVITE VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN THEM IN DISTRIBUTING RECOVERY ACT-FUNDED FOOD
Gov. Bill Ritter and Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will pack food at the Food Bank of the Rockies on Monday, Aug. 3 from 1-2 p.m. and invite Coloradans to help those in need by volunteering at food bank distribution centers across the Front Range.
"Food banks across Colorado have seen a 30 percent increase in demand for emergency food from individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet," Gov. Ritter said. "The Recovery Act is paying for huge shipments of food to help meet that need. This is an ideal time for Coloradans to join in the spirit of community service and help deliver this food to the less fortunate."
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law in February by President Obama, was designed in part to help support struggling families by boosting safety net services including extra food stamps and unemployment benefits. The Act designates more than $1 million for emergency food distribution in Colorado.
The Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, the Weld Food Bank in Greeley, and Care and Share Food Bank in Colorado Springs recently received shipments of canned pork (96,000 cans) and whole chickens (118,000 bags) purchased with Recovery Act funds. More Recovery Act-funded food is on the way.
Volunteers are needed to help fill orders placed by local food pantries using this and other food. During the Governor's visit to the Food Bank of the Rockies on Monday, John Schnatter, founder and chairman of Papa John's pizza, will deliver pizzas to volunteers and contribute coupons in the food packages. The Food Bank of the Rockies can accommodate up to 75 volunteers at a time. Volunteers can also help out on an ongoing basis at the Weld Food Bank and at Care and Share. All three sites distribute food to hundreds of local food pantries, churches and non-profits.
The Governor's Commission on Community Service is helping to spread the word about this volunteer effort.
To volunteer, contact:
- Food Bank of the Rockies, Olive Crawford, 303-371-9250 x 236, volunteers@foodbankrockies.org
- Care and Share Food Bank, Wanda Stanley, Volunteer Coordinator, 719-434-4672
- Weld Food Bank, Stephanie Gausch, Volunteer Coordinator, 970-356-2199 x307