The importance of volunteers in fulfilling Food Bank of the Rockies’ mission cannot be understated, especially in the early months of the year when volunteerism drops off significantly. At the same time, heating bills, unexpected illnesses, and other difficulties are on the rise, making it even more challenging for many of our neighbors to afford the nourishing food they need.
Every year, thousands of people donate their time to help us sort, package, and distribute food to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In fact, in 2024, the amount of hours volunteers contributed to our mission equated to the same impact as 71 full-time employees! What an incredible gift to the Food Bank and our community.
If you haven’t experienced the benefits of volunteering firsthand, think back to the last time you did an important favor for a friend or family member. The warm feeling of satisfaction that followed those experiences can actually be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Research has shown that there are numerous advantages of volunteerism for those who participate even semi-regularly, from health and well-being to community interaction, skill building, and more.
Not only that, but volunteering is a great activity for families and friend groups to enjoy together, offering an opportunity to bond in new ways while benefiting your community. Even better, research has shown that there are numerous mental and physical advantages of volunteering. Mental health benefits include stress relief, improved self-esteem, and a boost in mood-enhancing brain chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. Physical benefits outlined in a recent study included the large majority of volunteers feeling physically healthier and more in control of their own health due to volunteering.
Ultimately, the most important benefit of volunteering is also the simplest: helping our community members facing hunger. At Food Bank of the Rockies, our incredible volunteers power our ability to answer the challenge of hunger in our region — we’d love for you to join us today!
Next time you’re looking for a unique way to connect with your loved ones, consider giving back at the same time with Food Bank of the Rockies or your local food pantry. We promise you’ll feel as good as the impact you make on hunger in our region.
Below are just a few of the things to know about volunteering with us and the benefits it can bring. We hope you’ll join us soon to experience it first-hand!
Consider joining us as a volunteer today.
P.S. Are you a young professional age 21-40? Join us for a special volunteer night curated just for you on Friday, March 7! We’ll be mixing your favorite tunes while you pack essential food and other items to distribute to our Colorado neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Afterward, stick around for beer, wine, and snacks to enjoy while mingling. Give back to the community, network with like-minded peers, and learn more about how we can reduce food insecurity in our region. More information and registration information can be found at https://vhub.at/J2X8SA.
