#United States #Colorado #Justice Necessary #Food Bank of the Rockies #Hygiene Support

Innovative Colorado Program Addresses Food Insecurity

In a unique approach to combat the growing issue of food insecurity, a transformative pilot program has been launched in Colorado that integrates hygiene essentials into food distribution efforts. This initiative is spearheaded by Justice Necessary, in partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies, and aims to alleviate the pressing challenges families face when choosing between food and basic hygiene products.

Tackling the Dual Crisis

Food insecurity continues to rise across the state, with many families struggling to secure not only sufficient food but also necessary hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, diapers, and menstrual supplies. Traditional programs like SNAP and WIC provide vital assistance for food, but they leave a significant gap in hygiene support. Recognizing this, the pilot program, which currently operates in seven Western Slope food pantries, seeks to address this dual crisis by incorporating hygiene products into the existing hunger relief system.

Families relying on food pantries often have to make difficult decisions, prioritizing food over hygiene essentials. Recent studies reveal that an alarming 52% of Coloradans have sacrificed food to buy hygiene products, while 65% have foregone essential hygiene items to afford basic nutrition. This new initiative not only aims to supply food but also essential hygiene items to foster healthier, more dignified living conditions for those in need.

Tailored Support for Local Communities

The program includes the distribution of customized one-month hygiene kits that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of various communities served by the pantries. This strategic approach ensures that both mobile pantries and those catering to families experiencing homelessness receive the necessary supplies. These kits will help bolster Colorado's safety net for those facing economic hardships, reinforcing the importance of hygiene in everyday life.

Diane Cushman Neal, the founder, and president of Justice Necessary, emphasized the intertwined nature of food and hygiene poverty, stating, "When I founded Justice Necessary four years ago, I knew that food insecurity and hygiene poverty were interwoven. Every study since has reinforced the truth." This sentiment underscores the urgent need to ensure that everyone has access to both food and hygiene products, thereby removing barriers to education, employment, and overall health.

Expanding Reach and Impact Through Collaboration

Building on the Western Slope pilot program's success, there are plans for further expansion in 2026 with the introduction of the Justice Necessary FYP (Find Your Pantry) Hygiene Seal. This initiative will recognize pantries across Colorado dedicated to providing access to both food and hygiene essentials. The goal is ambitious—distributing over 3 million hygiene products statewide.

Monica Buhlig, Chief Impact Officer of Food Bank of the Rockies, expressed the goal of offering holistic support to families by merging hunger relief with hygiene assistance. "By teaming up with Justice Necessary, we're ensuring that our network can provide comprehensive support that addresses the full scope of what families need to thrive."

This innovative initiative serves as a reminder that community collaboration is essential in tackling complex social issues like food and hygiene poverty. Justice Necessary is actively seeking volunteers to assist in packing an estimated 150,000 hygiene kits to support Coloradans in need. Interested individuals can find more information on how to get involved at Justice Necessary's website.

About the Organizations

Founded in 2021, Justice Necessary is a Colorado nonprofit focused on fighting hygiene poverty and ensuring access to necessary hygiene products. To date, they have distributed millions of organic period products, eco-friendly diapers, and essential hygiene items across Colorado. Similarly, the Food Bank of the Rockies is the foremost hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, serving communities across Colorado and Wyoming. Their partnership exemplifies the collective effort required to ensure that no family has to choose between food and hygiene.

Together, these organizations are making strides towards enhancing the quality of life for countless families, working tirelessly to ensure everyone has the basic necessities they need to live healthy and dignified lives.