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 […]
Anyone can Advocate for Food Security
Advocacy is the public support for or recommendation of a cause or policy, and it can take many forms. Hunger is a community issue. The hard news is that millions of Americans are hungry because of circumstances that—at least in part—are a result of policy. The good news is that if communities and governments can […]
Food Insecurity is Particularly Devastating for Children
Not having enough healthy food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems. Food insecurity is a symptom of historical and structural […]
Even More Seniors Could be Food Insecure if we don’t Act
Hunger is a serious problem in America; it affects people of all ages, and more seniors (aged 60 and older) than many realize. The size of the senior population was 78 million in 2021, and 7.1%, or 5.5 million, experienced food insecurity. Neither the rate nor the number of food-insecure seniors was statistically significantly different […]
Food Rescue: What it is & How we do it
Food rescue, also called food recovery, food salvage, or surplus food redistribution, is the practice of acquiring quality, edible food that would otherwise go to waste. Rescued food comes from places such as farms, produce markets, grocery stores, restaurants, or other retailers. While most organizations that rescue food use terminology such as “diverted from the […]
Inequities Faced by People of Color Impact Food Security
Everyone deserves access to reliable food. However, some communities in our country struggle with food insecurity. Black communities are disproportionately affected due to systemic racism and economic inequality. The estimated prevalence of food insecurity for Black, non-Hispanic households was higher than the national average due to health disparities exacerbated by forms of racial discrimination. During […]
