DENVER — The Food Bank of the Rockies is combating food insecurities by delivering medically tailored food boxes to neighbors with chronic illnesses.
Patients who have certain health risk factors and have been identified as food insecure through a screening process qualify to take part in the Food for Health program to receive free grocery boxes weekly.
The program started in October 2022, and since then, the food bank has served more than 400 neighbors.
With the success of Food for Health, Monica Buhlig, chief programs officer at Food Bank of the Rockies, looks forward to expanding the program.
"The Food for Health program is one of the Food Bank of the Rockies' newer programs, and it is designed to bridge healthcare with nutrition. We know that people who experience food insecurity are two to three times more likely to have a chronic disease. We want the nutritious choice to be the easy choice for our neighbors," said Buhlig.
Food Bank of the Rockies uses food delivery services like DoorDash and Bull Runner to deliver the food directly to the patient's home for their convenience. Lori Symington has made multiple deliveries for the program, calling the experience rewarding.
"There was a time when I was one of those people who needed that help. So for me to be able to give back in this way is amazing. It's just a great feeling," said Symington. "There are a lot of people who go without food because they have medical issues or health problems that prevent them from leaving their homes, and they don't have access to transportation or anybody to bring it to them. So this is going to help a lot of people, and there is still a lot that don't even know about it. But once they do know, then things are going to turn around for a lot of people."
Sherri King has been receiving weekly groceries from the Food for Health program for the past six months. She said the program has helped her supplement the groceries she could afford to buy. The healthy foods and recipes provided by Food Bank of the Rockies help King balance nutritious groceries into her diet.
"I was in the hospital, and somebody approached me and I told them we could use extra help. There's a lot of foods that a lot of people can't buy because it's too expensive. So the stuff we get from the food bank helps with that," said King.
Food Bank of the Rockies collaborates with a growing list of health care providers in Colorado. Denver-area residents should talk to their doctor at one of five partner locations for access to the program — Denver Health, Lutheran Medical Center, Denver Indian Health and Family Services, Platte Valley Medical Center and CommonSpirit Health – St. Anthony North.
Community
Join Denver7 for 7 Days to Help End Hunger
Denver7 is taking action on this issue – and we need your help. Join us for 7 Days to Help End Hunger. From Sept. 23-29, this week-long campaign will raise crucial funds to support the Food Bank of the Rockies and the work they do to nourish people facing hunger.
Donate today and your gift will be doubled as Denver7 and the Scripps Howard Fund are matching the first $10,000 donated dollar-for-dollar.
Every dollar contributed will help Food Bank of the Rockies meet this moment as they are distributing enough food every day for 179,000 meals. But because of rising food costs, they’re spending triple what they have spent in the past on purchasing nutritious items.
Your support is needed. Together, we can make a difference in our community.
With the dollar-for-dollar match from Denver7 Gives, here’s what your support will provide:
- $25 will help the Food Bank of the Rockies distribute enough food for 150 meals
- $50 provides 300 meals
- $100 provides 600 meals
- $250 provides 1,500 meals
- $500 provides 3,000 meals
7 Days to Help End Hunger is sponsored by CommonSpirit.
Click here and select ‘7 Days to Help End Hunger’ to donate today or use the form at the bottom of this article.