Operating as a non-profit organization, helping people in Elbert County. Its story is one filled with challenges, one requiring a great staff of dedicated individuals and one filled with many happy success stories. Bob Hummel, the Director of the FOODBANK puts in long hours of preparation, maintenance and assurance there is a wide range of food products for those in need.
The FOODBANK has recently completed a large renovation to make the facility a user-friendly place for people to do their shopping in a grocery store environment. The building is stocked with a large variety of food products, ranging from canned goods, baking ingredients, cereals, spices, gluten-free products, milk, eggs, sanitary products, fresh vegetables, fresh meats (chicken, fish, pork and beef ribs, steaks & hamburger) and cat & dog foods as well.
Participants are provided with a cart to navigate through the many aisles throughout the store. This place is non-intimidating with staff members ready to assist at any time.
The facility has been furnished with commercial rated freezers and refrigerators to keep meats, vegetables and fruits fresh for as long as possible. An air filter machine, designed by NASA, keeps the air and surface areas free from contamination. The staff members constantly make sure that no products are beyond their sell-by-date. If products go past the recommended shelf life, they are donated to local ranchers to feed to their livestock. Nothing ever goes to waste.
The FOODBANK is associated with the Food Bank of the Rockies, which functions as a central clearing house for food banks throughout Colorado. The Kiowa FOODBANK benefits from this large organization by receiving much of their food for distribution in Elbert County. Local farmers and ranchers also help with beef, eggs and vegetables. Safeway in Elizabeth consistently provides products as well. They are a great asset to the cause, and we owe them a ton of gratitude for what they do. In addition, they have provided $50 gift cards for distribution to families in need for the purchase of food & gasoline.
The FOODBANK depends on donations from many citizens throughout the County. They also depend upon various grants throughout the year. Also, they benefit food drives sponsored by various organizations that bring in a significant amount of food. All staff members are volunteers so that all money coming into the organization goes to purchasing food products. The intent is giving the shoppers a client-choice of products, unlike past food banks where one had no choice in what one received.
There is no charge for the food for qualified citizens.
They provided over 108,000 pounds of food in 2021, which is a 20,000-pound increase over 2020, reaching over 1,800 families or 5711 family members.
The Elbert County Partnership strongly encourages everyone to consider making a one-time or sustained donation to the FOODBANK of Kiowa Creek Community Church. You will be helping to continue to build a needed service in Elbert County which will be aiding your neighbors feed their families.
There are three food banks within Elbert County who work closely together. Jointly, they provide access to food Monday through Friday.
FOODBANK of Kiowa Creek Community Church at 231 Cheyenne Street in Kiowa, 880117
- Monday: 9-1PM
- Tuesday: 3-6PM
- 2nd Friday / monthly: 10-1PM
Elizabeth Food Bank at 381 Banner Street 80107: Friday (12:20 -3PM & Saturday (9-11:30AM)
Helping Hands of Harvest at 826 S. Elbert St. in Elizabeth, 80107: Monday, Wednesday & Friday (9-11AM)
Elbert County government, including the County Manager, County Commissioners, Human Resources and Sheriff Office are strong supporters of the FOODBANK. They help direct those in need to the FOODBANK for assistance. There are many stories of families expressing their gratitude for being able to feed their children. Witnessing how much assistance people are provided with, just makes this service so much more important.
Some volunteers have donated knitted caps and sweaters, as well as beautiful stuffed animals for the kids. This organization is well organized and managed with enthusiastic people who care for those in need.
You can reach the FOODBANK at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa, Colorado 80117 or by telephone at 303-621-2276. You can also arrange for a tour of the facility to give you a greater appreciation for how it operates and what they do here
Nothing goes to waste. When items meet their expiration date, they are removed from the shelves and donated to local ranchers as feed for their livestock.
A visit to this facility is a must so that you will greater appreciate what is going on to help those in need. In addition, some families are referred to other agencies that are equipped to help in other areas such as getting assistance in paying for their utilities, medical care and other vital parts in their life. The whole focus is spreading help as GOD expects us to do for our neighbor in need.
This story has been sponsored by the ELBERT COUNTY PARTNERSHIP, making Elbert County a better place to live.