Food Bank reports 25 percent increase in need

FORT COLLINS – The Food Bank for Larimer County is reporting that the need for emergency food is up by about 25 percent in 2009 due to the ongoing recession and high unemployment.

The increase equates to more than 11,300 unduplicated clients being served by the Food Bank each month, according to a Food Bank press release.

“Dozens of companies in Larimer County have laid off workers in the past year,´ said Amy Pezzani, the Food Bank’s executive director. “Most of these layoffs have been relatively small and often times quiet, but collectively they have left thousands of residents unemployed or underemployed and seeking food assistance.”

The number of children being served by the program has also increased substantially this year, with 38 percent of Food Bank clients being children in 2004 compared to 53 percent in 2009.

The nonprofit organization said it is on track to distribute a record-breaking 7 million pounds of food in 2009. 

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