DENVER (KDVR) — The Food Bank of the Rockies is opening a bigger distribution center in Aurora, citing a rise in need after inflation and potential cuts to SNAP benefits.

There are currently two facilities next to each other in Denver helping people with food insecurity, but soon, that will be consolidated into a new 270,000-square-foot distribution center on East 38th Avenue in Aurora.

Opening this winter, the new building will have space to feed 10,000 kids every day with double the cold food storage space, triple the volunteer space and quadruple the kitchen size compared to the old facility. Erin Pulling, CEO and president of the food bank, said a bigger facility was necessary for the increasing need.

Already, Pulling said that because of inflation, Colorado is at a 10-year high in rates of food insecurity, and one in eight people across Colorado and Wyoming are experiencing food insecurity.

"We have been hit hard by rising food costs and cost of living for our neighborhoods, and that's why we are seeing an increase in need," said Pulling.

Pulling said the food bank has lost about 7% total food supply in the federal food it receives, and she expects more cuts. Pulling said more people may have food insecurity after the budget reconciliation bill passed, which may reduce SNAP benefits for 600,000 people across Colorado and Wyoming.