LITTLETON, Colo.—
The economy has driven many people to change their lifestyle. But imagine not being able to feed your kids even though you have a good job. This month FOX 31 and The Deuce are proud to kick off the Faces of Hunger campaign.Nearly 600,000 people in Colorado have to choose between food and things like paying the rent or buying medicine.
This summer you will a chance to help by joining us in the Faces of Hunger campaign to benefit the Food Bank of the Rockies. We'll be sharing unique stories with you throughout the month of June on KDVR.com and 2TheDeuce.com.
Here's how you can help: The Food Bank of the Rockies is holding a photography contest to highlight the need for help. You can take a photograph that profiles someone coping with hunger. Your profile could be featured in Denver Magazine as well as on FOX 31 News and The Deuce. The food bank can always use donations as well.
Susan's Story
Good Day Colorado anchor Shaul Turner introduced us to Susan on June 4. Here is her story.
They're grandmothers caring for young children on their own, and working mothers who can't seem to make ends meet, and others who found the ones they depend on need a helping hand too.
These are faces of hunger.
Shaul sat down with four women from different walks of life who came to the Littleton Church of Christ, which ironically sits in one of Denver's nicest neighborhoods.
They were there to get food to take home to their families. They said they had no where else to turn for help
Susan brings her daughter Esther to the food bank twice a month. She has been on food stamps as well. You may be surprised to know that Susan is a college educated professional.. ..
"I think if my husband had a better job we would be in a better place but I'm a preschool teacher and I max at $12 dollars an hour."
Terri once relied on a husband who provided everything, but with the ailing economy, work is hard to find.
"Since he was out of work we couldn't get an apartment so we had to move back with the folks," she said. "He doesn't want to be out of work and I don't like to see him out of work, he's unhappy."
For Terri, pride is just a luxury. She must now help support a household where everyone is struggling.
Ernie Kirby is the coordinator for the food bank. He says the need is so great that if more donations don't start coming in right away, some may be turned away. "I get kind of emotional about these things, I'm sorry," said Ernie as a tear came to his eye during the interview. "These are people who need to be fed."
Susan says it's hard to swallow the humiliation that comes with asking for help, but she'd do anything for her kids. She only wishes more people who can would give to help those in need.
"I meet people that say if you just got a better job or if you just did this differently it would change your situation...but it could be anyone."
