Over 2,000 frozen turkeys needed for Larimer County families in need

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, families in the community are preparing to gather together to share a bountiful feast. But for the thousands of our neighbors who rely on the services provided by the Food Bank for Larimer County, it’s just another day in the struggle to put food on the table. To help our neighbors this holiday season, the Food Bank is asking for the donation of 2,000 frozen turkeys to help provide holiday meals for families who are at-risk of hunger.

Each year, the Food Bank collects and then distributes turkeys and holiday “fixins” to agency partners, including Salvation Army and the Vineyard, who, in turn, provide holiday meals and/or holiday meal baskets to low-income residents. In addition to turkeys, the Food Bank is also collects packaged stuffing, canned yams and cranberries.

This year, the Food Bank will also provide turkeys and side items to the Disaster Assistance Center in Loveland to make sure families impacted by the floods have a holiday meal. Donations are especially needed before Thanksgiving Day, but will be accepted now through Dec. 20 at the Food Bank, 1301 Blue Spruce in Fort Collins, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the north side of the building.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to provide much needed food for our neighbors who are struggling,” says Amy Pezzani, executive director of the Food Bank. “Last month, we provided food to more than 13,000 people through our Food Share food pantry program. After a leveling off earlier in the year, we are seeing the number of visitors to Food Share increase as well as the average number of visits each month. We hope the community will remember those who face a shortage of food this holiday season and offer to help.”

To help meet the need, Poudre School District will hold its 9th Annual Turkey Round Up on Nov. 20. Each year, staff and students at PSD schools compete to collect the most turkeys to donate to the Food Bank.