KHEN Community Radioâs âPack the Backpackâ program got a $600 boost during the virtual Salida Soup No. 61 Dec. 17.Â
Salidaâs community radio station is providing a bag of nonperishable food to local kids experiencing food insecurity.Â
Packs are distributed Fridays at the KHEN studios, 123 E. Third St.Â
KHEN executive director Chris Vann advised that more than 37 percent of Coloradans are struggling to afford food during the pandemic, an increase of 26 percent from a year ago. Families and people of color have been hit the most, according to Vann.Â
âReduced services at schools and the closure of school districts throughout Colorado has meant the loss of free and reduced-price school meals for more than 350,000 students,â Vann said. âStudies show lack of adequate nutrition in childhood can have long-term impacts on health and well-being long into adulthood.âÂ