Task force food bank shelves are nearly bare

Because the economy is still in recovery, the Douglas/Elbert Task Force has seen an increase in client needs, while donations of food have decreased.

The most needed items to fill our shelves are canned meats, (beef, chicken, tuna); peanut butter; dried/canned beans; hearty soups; meals in a box or can (beef stew, chili, mac and cheese, hash); canned fruits; canned vegetables; cereals and grains; fruit and vegetable juices; dry milk.

There are many ways to help us fill our shelves. Drop your items off at 1638 Park St., between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sponsor a food drive through your church, business or community organization. There are many great ideas for food drives.

Education is always a good first step: invite someone from the task force to speak about hunger to your organization; schedule a tour of the task force food bank to visually bring home the work of our food distribution.

Develop a food drive theme or slogan that relates to your organization and provide people in the community, organization or church with grocery bags to fill and return with donated goods.

Call the task force for assistance in planning a food drive to help us fill our shelves. Food drives provide some of the healthiest and highest-quality food we receive. Food donations also provide a direct connection between donors and people who are hungry.

Cash donations help us buy food at a discount, keep our freezers and refrigerators running, and support our programs to feed hungry people.

For information on donating directly or sponsoring a food drive, call the task force at 303-688-1114 or visit www.detaskforce.org.