Denver – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet helped restock shelves and refrigerators for families in need yesterday at The Community Market in Edwards. Bennet also toured the market with chef Kelly Liken, who has managed the market since 2019.

Bennet gets ready to restock the shelves and refrigerators at The Community Market in Edwards.

“The Community Market is doing incredibly important work during this once-in-a-century pandemic to distribute food to Coloradans in need,” said Bennet. “I was grateful to visit the market to help restock their shelves and refrigerators, and see the collaboration of local organizations, and chefs like Kelly, to serve their community during a time of great need. As we’ve seen here in Edwards and across the state, more families are strained and requiring support, many for the first time. We must work together to ensure our friends and neighbors have access to nutritious food.”

“This is about creating a space where people can access healthy, no-cost food options, such as fresh produce, grocery rescue items, and pre-cooked meals from local restaurants,” said Chef Kelly Liken, Manager of The Community Market. We’re grateful Senator Bennet understands the importance of providing healthy food options to food insecure households while honoring the dignity of the customer.” 

“We appreciate Senator Bennet’s continued support and his leadership on addressing food insecurity for households in Colorado and across the country. The effects of this public health and economic crisis are being felt in communities across Eagle County. It’s critical we ensure everyone in our community is able to maintain their health and feed their families,” said Susie Davis, Director of Eagle Valley Community Foundation.  

According to The Community Market, the organization has seen a 375 percent increase in people using the market for assistance since the start of the pandemic. The Community Market is a partnership of Eagle Valley Community Foundation, Food Bank of the Rockies, Eagle County government, Vail Resorts, a number of community non-profit groups and other entities that provide local food assistance.