The Community Food Bank of Grand Junction is inviting the public to join their annual SOUPER Bowl Food Drive on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2024. The event aims to collect canned goods and other non-perishable items to help feed the hungry in Mesa County.
A tradition of giving back
The SOUPER Bowl Food Drive is a tradition that started in 2017, when the Community Food Bank of Grand Junction partnered with local churches and businesses to collect food donations on the day of the Super Bowl. Since then, the event has grown to include more partners and supporters, and has become one of the largest food drives in the area.
The Community Food Bank of Grand Junction is an independent nonprofit that has been serving Mesa County for the past 45 years. It provides food assistance to more than 20,000 people every month, through its pantry, mobile food pantry, senior commodity program, and backpack program. The food bank also distributes food to more than 40 partner agencies, such as soup kitchens, shelters, and schools.
A critical need for food donations
According to the Community Food Bank of Grand Junction, food insecurity in Mesa County is projected to rise by 25% in 2024, as more people face the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment, and rising living costs. The food bank estimates that it will need to distribute more than 4 million pounds of food this year, which is a 33% increase from 2020.
The SOUPER Bowl Food Drive is a crucial opportunity to replenish the food bank’s inventory and meet the growing demand for food assistance. The food bank is asking the public to donate unexpired, non-perishable goods, such as soup, pasta, canned meals, canned fruits, canned vegetables, peanut butter, and jam. The food bank also accepts monetary donations, which can be made online or by mail.
How to participate in the SOUPER Bowl Food Drive
The SOUPER Bowl Food Drive will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be marked bins outside the food bank’s building at 562 W Crete Circle, Unit 102, in Grand Junction. Donors can drop off their food items at the bins, or drive through and have volunteers unload their donations from their vehicles.
The food bank is also encouraging people to organize their own mini food drives in their neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, or churches, and bring their collections to the food bank on the day of the event. The food bank can provide bins, posters, and flyers to help with the promotion of the mini food drives.
The food bank hopes to collect at least 50,000 pounds of food from the SOUPER Bowl Food Drive, which would provide enough food for 41,667 meals. The food bank’s executive director, Michelle Martinez, said that the event is a way for the community to show their compassion and generosity to those in need.
“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our community every year. The SOUPER Bowl Food Drive is a fun and easy way to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people who struggle with hunger. We hope that everyone will join us in this effort and help us score a touchdown against hunger,” Martinez said.
