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Girl with box of groceries.

2X Matching Gift Challenge

Right now, hunger is at a 10-year high across our region.

To help meet this moment, your gift today will be matched to make 2X the impact for our neighbors.

Right now, hunger is at a 10-year high across our region. Please, make a matched gift now.

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Boy with groceries.

2X Match Deadline Extended

Hunger is on the rise across Colorado.

Now through April 30, your donation will be matched to make 2X the impact for our neighbors.

Help address the emergency level of need in our region while your gift = 2X the impact!

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Boy with groceries.

3X Flash Match: Midnight Deadline

Through midnight TONIGHT, your donation will be matched to make 3X the impact for our neighbors.

Help address the emergency level of need in our region while your gift = 3X the impact!

April 2025 Western Slope Partner Newsletter

a person holding a box of apples standing behind a pickup a truck

It starts to feel like winter ends and spring begins in April. For many of us, spring represents new beginnings and transformations after the cold months of winter. It is the time when nature brings many foods which nourish our communities. Winter months are a time of dormancy, allowing the ground and roots to replenish and make room for new spring growth that will take us through the year. Hunger Relief Partners and neighbors share with us how much fresh produce and meats are valued and consistently preferred all year long.

We recently learned that USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) funding has ended. LFPA enables food banks to purchase food directly from local farmers for distribution to community members. Since 2022, this program helped to grow our relationships with about 50 agricultural partners and made a meaningful investment (around $1.9 million) in our local economies. LFPA allowed us to purchase locally grown foods such as chiles, peaches, melons, apples, tomatoes, yellow squash, tomatillos, herbs, and ground beef to provide to neighbors experiencing hunger.

At Food Bank of the Rockies, 52% of food distributed in 2024 originated from farms, including produce, protein, dairy, and grains. Twenty-nine percent of food distributed was fresh produce, and 10% of this produce was sourced locally. Even with the end of LFPA funding, Food Bank of the Rockies will continue to focus on meeting neighbors’ needs and maintaining our relationships with local farmers. We will continue listening to and learning from Hunger Relief Partners and neighbors to understand how we can best do this. Let’s continue to nurture our connections with one another knowing that the power of these connections yields a bounty of collective strength to nourish neighbors with the foods they need and prefer.

Save the Dates

Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope will host the following regional partner in-person gatherings:

Friday, May 23

  • Glenwood Springs
  • 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 3

  • Montrose
  • 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Please save the date for the location closest to you. More information will be coming soon!

Feeding Colorado Advocacy/Policy Update

Feeding Colorado State Legislative Tracker

Check out our state bill tracker on our website to see which bills we’re following in the 2025 Colorado General Assembly.

We are continuing to advocate for the Community Food Providers Assistance Grant during significant budget challenges in the state.

Federal Updates

We are tracking federal program changes very closely and are in communication with state agencies, food bank programs staff, and leadership to understand real-time impacts to partners and neighbors. We are also in close contact with our members of Congress and advocate frequently for the programs our network relies on.

Partner Impact Form

Please use this form to submit any comments, questions or concerns about how executive orders may impact your work.

Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council Food Summits

The Colorado Food System Advisory Council (COFSAC) is thrilled to announce 2025 Regional Food Convening dates! Eleven events are planned for 2025, with two events still in development. These convenings are a vital opportunity to connect, collaborate, and take actionable steps toward a stronger, more equitable food system across Colorado. Over 30 organizations are partnering to host these events. Follow details and updates on this website.

Action Alerts

Are you interested in engaging more in advocacy work? Complete this form to learn more and get involved! We will share action alerts, updates, and newsletters to subscribers in the coming months. https://forms.office.com/r/2sauRbHR0n

Program Updates

Reach More Neighbors in Need of Food Assistance

Our new Find Food Map is now live on our website, helping neighbors find valuable resources in their communities. It can only be useful if the information is complete and accurate. That’s where you come in. Claim your Vivery profile today to ensure your organization’s programs are correctly displayed on the Find Food Map!

This crucial step only takes 5 minutes. If you haven’t received your claim email from Vivery (go@vivery.org), please reach out to support@vivery.org to get your unique claim link. If you have other questions about the information provided on our Find Food page, please contact partnersupport@foodbankrockies.org.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered:

Government Programs

Everyday Eats

We are working closely with CDHS to manage caseload, aligning best practices and Everyday Eats requirements. Join CDHS Everyday Eats Specialist, Samantha Kostman-Fesler, RD, for one of the upcoming webinars focused on caseload management, including the Everyday Eats no-show policy and notice of action requirements. A session will be recorded for those unable to make it. Thank you!

Wednesday, April 23, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

TEFAP

CDHS has published an updated version of the TEFAP Policy and Procedures Manual for Food Pantries & Congregate Feeding Sites. Please be sure to replace your old copies and review this version. Please direct questions to TEFAP@foodbankrockies.org.

Food for Kids Update

Important Dates for CACFP and SFSP

The end of school and summer will be here before we know it! To transition smoothly, we have scheduled important dates for partners. If you are currently participating in our after-school meals program or are applying to participate in our 2025 summer meals program, please keep these in mind!

If you receive or apply to receive meals through our kitchen, note that there is no meal delivery when the kitchen is marked as closed. You may, however, opt to pick up shelf-stable meals for your site in advance. If desired, this requires you to let us know a minimum of 7 days in advance (14 days is preferred) to ensure we have enough food. Email FFK@foodbankrockies.org to order ahead.

Important Upcoming CACFP Dates

  • May 30 – Last day of CACFP

Important Upcoming SFSP Dates

  • March 17 – Application opens
  • May 7 – Application due
  • May 29 – Last day of training for sites to start by June 9
  • June 9 – First day of SFSP
  • August 5 – Last day of SFSP

Nutrition Update

Myths vs. Truths About Shelf-Stable Foods

Many of us may have beliefs about shelf-stable foods that do not capture their true nutritional value. Below are some myths and truths that challenge our beliefs:

MYTH: Canned fruits/vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh foods.
TRUTH: Canned fruits/vegetables are nutritionally the same (or even more nourishing!) as fresh products. Canning facilities are often placed within or nearby farms so food can be packaged at its freshest. Canned foods are cooked in the can, which leaves a low oxygen environment and allows the food to hold the same levels of vitamins and nutrients for the entire shelf-life from the day it was packaged.

MYTH: Canned fruits/vegetables are filled with preservatives.
TRUTH: Because of the canning method described above, preservatives are often not needed in canned fruits/vegetables.

MYTH: Frozen foods are not as nutritious as fresh foods.
TRUTH: Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically frozen at their peak ripeness, meaning they actually contain the highest amount of vitamins and nutrients.

MYTH: I can’t do anything to increase the nutritional value of shelf-stable foods.
TRUTH: You can use them as tools to make meals more complete and nutritious. Wash canned beans to reduce the amount of sodium or look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” cans.

MYTH: Canned fish/poultry is not good for me.
TRUTH: Canned fish and poultry are great sources of lean protein. Canned fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (good for brain and heart health), as well as other vitamins and minerals.

MYTH: All shelf-stable fruit products are high in sugar.
TRUTH: The products used in food bank shelf-stable programs are typically unsweetened, “light” or “extra light,” meaning they have little to no sugar added. You can also drain the syrup from containers to reduce the amount of sugar consumed.

New Partner Highlight

Faith Heights

We’re thrilled to welcome Faith Heights Church to the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope community! This vibrant team of go-getters is dedicated to serving their community, and their small but mighty pantry, “The Food House,” is just the beginning.

Faith Heights is excited to expand its impact by partnering with us, opening new opportunities to provide nourishing food for their neighbors. With a brand-new building on the horizon in about a year, they’re dreaming big — not just for their church, but for their pantry as well. Their goal? To grow alongside their congregation and meet the evolving needs of the community.

We’re honored to support Faith Heights on this journey and can’t wait to see The Food House flourish! Keep an eye on this dedicated team as they continue to make a difference.

Welcome, Faith Heights Church!

Neighbor Resources

BeeLine Medical Supply logo

Bee Line Medical Supply
On Medicaid and Need Medical Supplies? Bee Line Medical Supply Can Help!

Clients on Medicaid may qualify for a range of medical supplies covered by their insurance (and delivered for free!), including:

  • Foot & Leg Care: Compression stockings, orthopedic shoes, creams
  • Incontinence Supplies: Underpads, liners, wipes, gloves
  • Diabetes Care: CGMs, diabetic socks, sugar-free shakes
  • Mobility Aids: Walkers, wheelchairs, bathroom safety items
  • Other Supplies: Nutritional drinks, wound care, braces

Call Bee Line Medical Supply at 720-919-1555 to see how they can help the neighbors you support access the supplies they need!

Español:
Bee Line Medical Supply
¿Tiene Medicaid y necesita suministros médicos? ¡Bee Line Medical Supply puede ayudarle!
Personas quien tienen el Medicaid puede calificar para una variedad de suministros médicos cubiertos por su seguro, incluyendo:

  • Cuidado de pies y piernas: medias de compresión, zapatos ortopédicos, cremas
  • Suministros para incontinencia: empapadores, protectores, toallitas, guantes
  • Cuidado de la diabetes: monitores continuos de glucosa (CGMs), calcetines para diabéticos, batidos sin azúcar
  • Ayudas para la movilidad: andadores, sillas de ruedas, artículos de seguridad para el baño
  • Otros suministros: bebidas nutricionales, cuidado de heridas, férulas

¡Todo entrega gratuita! Llámenos hoy al 720-919-1555 para ver cómo podemos ayudarle a acceder a los suministros que necesita.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Read full USDA non-discrimination statement by clicking here.

 

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