If you’re a disabled veteran and need food and basic supplies, the Cortez Elks Lodge is stepping up to help.

Thanks to a $2,000 Beacon grant from the National Elks Foundation, the local lodge offers a new “food backpack program” to Montezuma County veterans. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, veterans can stop by the Cortez Elks Lodge and pick up a backpack stuffed with nonperishable goods and items like shaving kits and over-the-counter medicines for free.

Items include canned meat, jerky, tuna, chips, fruit cups, canned veggies, crackers, shaving kits and aspirin, said Kerry Mayhew, leading knight of the Cortez Elks Lodge.

The program was started after the Elks learned about veterans’ needs.

“We’ve been informed that there are at least 30 vets in the county that were disabled or homeless and in need of help. We have other veterans programs and are a pro-veteran organization and thought this would be a great new way to show our support,” said Mayhew.

The backpacks were donated by Southwest Colorado Community College, and much is the food is being purchased at-cost at Dolores Food Mart, he said.

“The community has been very helpful in getting this off the ground, now we just hope more veterans find out about the program.”

To be eligible for a backpack, veterans need to bring their DD-214 card (proof of disability and discharge). The next backpack giveaway is Sept. 12. For information, contact Kerry Mayhew at 970-903-4879.

The Cortez Elks Lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Road.