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

In Colorado, the government shutdown hit military families and civilian workers hard. Many people had to make tough choices. They had to decide between paying bills or buying food. This is because they did not get paid on time. Also, SNAP benefits were frozen. This made things even harder for those who rely on them. SNAP benefits help over 620, 000 people in Colorado. Many of these people live in Southern Colorado. The Care and Share Food Bank is trying to make a difference. They have a special grant called "Feeding America. " This grant is for three years. It helps meet the needs of military families. Nate Springer is the CEO of Care and Share. He served in the Army for 23 years. He feels it is his duty to help military families. He wants to give back to those who are serving now. The food bank has expanded its reach. They now have mobile markets. These are like rolling grocery stores. They can drive into communities or military installations. People can shop for free there. Care and Share served 600 families on Patriot Day. They also served 1, 000 veterans and their families in Pueblo. The food bank covers a large area. It stretches from Monument to the New Mexico border. It also goes from Utah to Kansas. They provide food to 278 other nonprofits.