There are hundreds of hungry veterans on the Western Slope.  One local food pantry is looking out for them specifically.

Vets for Vets is passing out food to those who need it, a service it’s only offering to those who've served our nation.

Every Thursday, Draw Nigh Ministries on Orchard Avenue opens its doors to local veterans who need help getting the food they can't afford on their own.

It’s all thanks to Pastor Tony Nelson.  He a veteran himself and wants to make sure those who've served his country are eating well not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Nelson founded Vets for Vets, a nonprofit with a goal to give back.

“There’s a food pantry for everyone else. How about just for veterans only?” Nelson said.  “We’ve become an agency of the Food Bank of the Rockies. We’re definitely being utilized and we're grateful to have it to do so.”

The food is passed out every Thursday from 11:45am to 1:45pm at 2430 Orchard Ave.

In the year since this service started, donations have grown so much that Nelson is working to get a building specifically geared toward this organization.

Nelson’s hope is for the non-profit to keep getting bigger and better.