Arvada based food bank the Community Table is partnering with local businesses and governmental entities to try and collect 25,000 pounds of food before Christmas this year, as the food bank’s usual channels of food collection have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Organizations such as the Apex Center, the Arvada Visitors Center and Arvada Fire Protection District are all taking donations in food drive barrels stationed at their establishments in an effort to help Community Table reach their goal.
Community Table Chief Operating Officer Sandy Martin said that the cancellation of the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive — a national initiative organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers which has been shelved for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic — has had a detrimental effect on the Community Table’s ability to stock their store this year.
“Food donations and grocery rescue are just not keeping pace with the increased need,” said Martin. “The cancellation of the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in 2020 and 2021 has further impacted our ability to provide choice and dignity to families in need.
“This annual food drive alone brings in more than 80,000 pounds of food a year. And, it provides the variety that makes our food pantry special and a `true’ shopping experience for families in need,” Martin continued.
Arvada Visitors Center Executive Director Jean Gordon said that she was happy to have a collection barrel at the Visitors Center to make it more convenient for folks to donate.
“It’s super important for the Visitors Center and Chamber (of Commerce) to be a part of this. We want to make it so convenient to donate,” said Gordon. “We want to get everyone involved. No donation is too small.”
Donations can be made at the Community Table located at 8555 W. 57th Avenue, or at barrels at the Apex Center, Apex Field House, Arvada Visitors Center, Arvada Fire Headquarters, Arvada Center, and King Soopers Candelas.