Wheat Ridge proclaims Hunger Action Month; pantry volunteers describe rising demand

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The Wheat Ridge City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Hunger Action Month during Monday's meeting and called attention to local food insecurity while community volunteers described ongoing strain at area pantries.

Mayor Bud Starker presented the proclamation declaring Sept. 25, 2025, as Hunger Action Month in Wheat Ridge and invited Hallie Nelson of the Jefferson County Food Policy Council to speak. Nelson, the council's director, described the launch of "Feeding Jeffco Together," a collaborative fundraiser supporting 10 pantries across the county. Nelson said the 10 pantries collectively served more than 300,000 individuals and distributed over 4,300,000 pounds of food last year with just over $500,000 in operating funds.

Volunteer Russell Rountree, who identified himself as representing the Tin Shed food pantry in Wheat Ridge, told council that pantry demand has risen in recent years. Rountree said Tin Shed served about 100 guests per week when he began nearly three years ago, rose to roughly 700 guests at the peak and now stabilizes around 400 weekly. He said donated food supplies have declined roughly fivefold and grant funding has fallen by about two-thirds in the three-year period.

Nelson and Rountree urged residents to support local pantries during Hunger Action Month; Nelson noted how small donations can be leveraged through collaborative fundraising and partnerships with grocery donations.

The council accepted the proclamation as a ceremonial recognition. No formal policy action or funding appropriation occurred during the meeting on this item.