Helping Hands: Food Bank Steps Up for Military Families During Shutdown

Tough Choices for Families

In Colorado, the government shutdown has severely impacted military families and civilian workers. Many were forced to make difficult decisions between paying bills and buying food due to delayed payments. The situation was exacerbated by the freezing of SNAP benefits, which support over 620,000 people in the state, many of whom reside in Southern Colorado.

Care and Share Food Bank Steps In

The Care and Share Food Bank is stepping up to alleviate the crisis. With a special three-year grant from Feeding America, they are dedicated to meeting the needs of military families. Nate Springer, the CEO and a former Army veteran with 23 years of service, sees this as his duty to give back to those currently serving.

Expanding Reach with Mobile Markets

To better serve the community, Care and Share has introduced mobile markets—essentially rolling grocery stores. These markets can drive into communities or military installations, offering free shopping to those in need.

Impact and Reach

• 600 families served on Patriot Day
• 1,000 veterans and their families assisted in Pueblo
• Coverage area spans from Monument to the New Mexico border and from Utah to Kansas
• Supports 278 other nonprofits