Tackling food insecurity one neighbor at a time
Thank you to the Cheyenne Edition for this great article.
A couple of other philanthropy-minded neighbors recently launched a food truck program to help feed those experiencing food insecurity.
Colorado Springs residents Marcy Langlois and Tracey Porter in January started Food Trucks Against Homelessness, a program that coordinates Pikes Peak region food-truck businessess to serve nutritious meals, at no cost, to those who need it once a week. “Our mission is to feed people in need regardless of their situation, one hot meal at a time. We envision that no one goes hungry and each person has the opportunity to become self-sufficient,” Porter told the Cheyenne Edition recently.
Working with the nonprofit Westside CARES, Food Trucks Against Homelessness has received support from many local food truck sponsors and individual donors.
Some of the food trucks and eateries involved are BF Chew-Chew Gastrotruck, La Casita, Lucy I’m Home, Mateo’s, Mile High BBQ, Mischief Food Truck and Catering, Phat Frankies, Roadtisserie, Sapo Guapo Tacos, Smokin’ J’s BBQ, Tango Springs, Tepex and Sno Peak Shaved Ice.
“Food truck sponsors donate their time, their supplies, and their delicious food to our neighbors,” Porter said on the program’s Facebook page. In return, they receive a tax benefit (donation letter).
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday, Food Trucks Against Homelessness feeds about 85 people in the Westside CARES parking lot at 2808 W. Colorado Ave.
There they also collect donations of needed items, such as packages of new socks and underwear, to distribute to those in need. And they accept monetary donations to support the food trucks and the purchase of needed items.
A volunteer distributes clothing during a Food Trucks Against Homelessness at Westside CARES. Mateo’s food truck serves up hot meals in the background.
To date, the food truck program has provided more than 3,100 meals. All because these two women wanted to give back to the community.
“Marcy and I faced significant hurdles in our lives, and we were fortunate to be surrounded by caring people who supported us when we needed it most. Now that we’re financially stable, we see it as our responsibility to give back to others when they need it most,” Porter said in the Cheyenne Edition article.
Thank you to these women who are helping to put food in the mouths of those who need it. What a wonderful way to make a difference. READ THE FULL ARTICLE
