A Morgan County ranch family, including four generations of Colorado State University graduates, donated more than 1,000 pounds of beef to the Rams Against Hunger Food Pantry.
Christensen Ranch near Weldona contributed 1,000 pounds of ground beef and more than 100 pounds of dry-aged tri tip steaks and London Broil to the pantry, which is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in the CSU community.
“Recent data shows that 29% of CSU’s students face food insecurity,” said Michael Buttram, CSU’s basic needs program manager. “These numbers are in line with national averages and are not likely to decrease any time soon. Rams Against Hunger exists to combat this trend, seeking to meet the basic needs of our students, staff and faculty in ways that affirm dignity and strengthen our community.”
The ranch, founded in 1923, includes multiple generations of CSU graduates.
Arlene Christensen graduated when the school was known as Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Co-owner Larry Christensen graduated in 1962, while co-owner Kathy Wood is a 1986 graduate. Most recently, Allie Christensen graduated in 2023.
Rams taking care of Rams
The ranch’s donation is the biggest in its history and an example of Rams taking care of Rams.
“As a family deeply rooted in the Colorado State University community, this donation is particularly meaningful to us,” Wood said. “We recognize the importance of supporting our alma mater and giving back to the community that has given us so much. We hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of CSU students facing food insecurity.”
The pantry serves about 500 guests per week, and many are undergraduate or graduate students with families. Rams Against Hunger offers a comprehensive menu of services that support students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity.
“Partnerships like the one with Christensen Ranch allow us to ensure that CSU students and families have high-quality sources of protein at the table,” Buttram said. “Since protein is often the hardest nutritional need for us to source at the Rams Against Hunger Pantry, we are incredibly grateful for this partnership.”
