The Cortez Elks Lodge and Dolores Food Market have stepped up to help disabled veterans who need food and basic supplies.

A $2,000 Beacon grant from the National Elks Foundation enables the local lodge to offer a "food backpack" to Montezuma County veterans. Every second and fourth Saturday, vets can stop by the Cortez lodge and pick up a backpack filled with free nonperishable items like shaving kits and over-the-counter medicines.

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 began after the Elks learned about veterans' needs.

Much of the food is bought at cost at Dolores Food Market. The backpacks were donated by Southwest Colorado Community College.

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

The lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Road.