The hidden weight of hunger: How food insecurity shapes shame in childhood
When we discuss food insecurity, the conversation often centers on physical hunger, the empty stomach, the skipped meals, and the reliance on food banks. However, for children, the impact of food insecurity extends far beyond the physical realm. It embeds itself in their psyche, often manifesting as a profound sense of shame. Shame is a […]
No shame. Just nourishment.
Food Bank client Carrie knows there are other people in her Larimer County community who could benefit from using the no-cost markets. Yet, they haven’t reached out to get the help they deserve. “They don’t think there’s anything here that provides a meal for them…” Carrie said. Wrapped into this perception are likely deep-seated stigmas […]
Volunteering can be a powerful force to improve mental, physical health
What if there were a singular way to improve your physical and mental well-being — all while positively changing the lives of others? That’s the power of volunteering. Volunteering boosts physical and mental health Studies suggest that volunteering benefits people of all ages. This includes a variety of benefits in well-being, like improved physical and […]
Staff submission: Food Access for People with Disabilities and How Volunteering Makes a Difference!
By Pepper, Volunteer and Donor Relations Assistant, Loveland No-Cost Market As we work to end the stigma surrounding food insecurity, it is important to learn and understand that food insecurity affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses. It is also important to recognize that due to a number of complex issues, people with […]
How stigma gets in the way of good health
The first time Ronda set foot in the Food Bank, she fought the urge to cry. She was overwhelmed with the feeling that she “didn’t belong” and was taking resources from people who might need the food more. Food Bank staff and volunteers often hear (or see) this concern when working in our no-cost markets. […]
Financial hardship versus poverty and why it matters to us
Not everyone who uses the Food Bank qualifies for government assistance or meets an official definition of “low income.” Food insecurity is a complicated issue, and a symptom of many broader ranging problems, like systemic poverty and high living costs. To help ensure all people have access to nutrition, food banks remain critical to addressing […]
The difference between hunger and food insecurity
We use the term “food insecurity” on purpose. It is different from “hunger.” What is hunger?Hunger is an individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity. It is a physical feeling of discomfort or weakness that results from not consuming enough food. Hunger can become chronic if a person doesn’t regularly consume enough calories […]
What stirs up the urge to give?
In the United States, most charitable giving happens between Thanksgiving Day and the new year. For most people, December is associated with a notable increase in the probability of donating, which is known as the “December effect.” Here at the Food Bank for Larimer County, 35-40% of our fundraising revenue pours in from November 1 to […]
How FBLC addresses food disparities among Latino populations
National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15; it is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries. […]
Some Basics on Leaving Money to Charity in Your Will
There are many reasons we give money to charity. Honoring a loved one, advancing a worthy cause, and a genuine interest in helping others are a few of the motivations that help make the world a better place. Charitable giving, however, can also come with tax benefits and leaving money to a charity in your […]
