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Weld Food Bank partners with Beef Sticks for Backpacks to combat childhood hunger in Northern Colorado

By David Mullen December 10, 2020 | updated 5 years ago

Throughout the pandemic, the number of children going to bed hungry has drastically grown.

According to a report from Feeding America, a non-profit organization that has a network of more than 200 food banks across the country, including one in Greeley, showed that childhood hunger could rise by nearly 25%.

In attempt to combat childhood hunger in northern Colorado, Weld Food Bank has partnered with Beef Sticks for Backpacks 

Weld Food Bank has partnered with Beef Sticks for Backpacks to strategically combat childhood hunger in northern Colorado.

“Having Weld Food Bank as a key partner allows us to support more backpack programs and ultimately feed more kids,” said Dan Byers the director for Beef Sticks for Backpacks. 

Beef Sticks for Backpacks is a Johnstown-based non-profit that distributes backpacks full of protein beef sticks to children in need. 

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Colorado in March, the Weld Food Bank says the number of people seeking food is at an all-time high.

“We’ve seen a 130% increase in the number of backpacks requested since March,” said Bob O’ Connor, CEO of Weld Food Bank. “We are now serving more hungry children than ever in the history of Weld Food Bank. Protein is the most difficult, and most expensive, item for food banks to procure. We are unbelievably grateful for the partnership with Beef Sticks for Backpacks, which ensures that every child will have protein over the weekend. Thanks to the individuals who started this initiative, over 2,000 beef sticks are being given to Weld County children each week.”

Weld Food Bank will serve as a distribution partner for Beef Sticks for Backpacks in Weld County. 

Beef Sticks for Backpacks has provided nearly 53,000 beef sticks in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley this year, and will continue serving the children of Colorado, according to the media release.

“During this critical time, we are committed to supporting Colorado children who are struggling and lack access to food, including protein that may not often be available to them,” said Byers. 

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David Mullen

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