Food pantries seeing almost double the amount of people they usually do

Care and Share Food Bank says that food pantries it supplies food for are seeing almost double the people that they used to.

One of their biggest partners is Crossfire Ministries. They say at this point last year, it was serving between 250 and 300 families in El Paso and Teller Counties.

This year, that number is around 500 families, and they don't expect it to go down.

Nate Springer, the CEO of Care and Share says adding to the struggle is that the American Rescue Plan funding will stop at the end of the year.

"We're gonna see that pendulum kinda shift back to how it was before all that COVID infused money," said Springer. "So, we're going to have to be creative, we're gonna have to make sure our network is working together to potentially have less money in the system to support just as many people in need."

Springer says the nonprofit is looking into ideas, such as working with local farmers to supply food directly to food pantries.

Care and Share Food Bank Care and Share rural partner program serving farmers and communities 'Farm to table' Care and Share program supporting rural communities and farmers Local food banks are meeting growing needs as federal funding ends Care and Share Food Bank working to keep food out of landfills Saturday is the Nation's largest single-day food drive, how you can help

___

'The heart of Colorado': Nonprofit helps donate El Paso County Fair livestock sales to local shelter

The Junior Livestock Sale at the El Paso County Fair teaches children many life skills, and one nonprofit is making sure kids learn another: giving back to the community.

Buyers at Junior Livestock Sale have option to donate meat to those in need

News Tips What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below. First Name Last Name Email Phone number Subject Body Security Check

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5 , download and start watching.