Food Bank for Larimer County Reaches Turkey Goal, Will Serve More Than 4,500 Households for Thanksgiving
The Food Bank for Larimer County reached its turkey distribution goal for Thanksgiving, allowing the organization to serve more than 4,500 households throughout the county during the week of November 25.
The food bank announced November 23 that community donations enabled the organization to collect enough turkeys to meet its target. The turkeys will provide families across Larimer County with the centerpiece for traditional Thanksgiving meals.
The holiday distribution represents a significant portion of the food bank's annual service to the community. Founded in 1984, the organization distributed approximately 8.2 million meals to more than 40,000 individuals in fiscal year 2023, according to Food Bank for Larimer County data.
Food insecurity affects approximately 9 to 11 percent of Larimer County's population, representing between 32,000 and 40,000 residents in recent years, according to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap analysis. The need typically increases during the holiday season as families face additional expenses and children access fewer free or reduced-price school meals.
The food bank serves as the only Feeding America clearinghouse for donated food in Larimer County. The organization operates two no-cost Fresh Food Share markets in Fort Collins and Loveland, and partners with over 100 local agencies including food pantries, shelters and childcare centers to extend its reach.
The Food Bank for Larimer County adjusted its mobile market schedule for Thanksgiving week, with Grace Place open November 22 and Foothills Church operating November 23. The schedule modifications allowed staff to focus on holiday distribution logistics while maintaining service access for clients.
The organization's mission focuses on providing food to all in need through community partnerships and hunger-relief programs. In its first year of operation in 1984, the food bank distributed 56,836 pounds of food. Current operations distribute millions of pounds annually through direct distribution and partner agencies.
Holiday season demand consistently outpaces other times of the year at food assistance organizations throughout Northern Colorado. The Weld Food Bank recently raised a record $35,000 at its Beaujolais Nouveau fundraising event in Greeley, while DJ Basin COGA and Varra Companies launched a $75,000 donation match for Weld Food Bank through November 30.
The Food Bank for Larimer County also operates specialized programs including Kids Cafe, which serves meals to children, and a Backpack Program providing weekend food for at-risk students in local school districts. The organization's Food Link program supplies food inventory to partner agencies operating their own distribution programs.