Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Food Bank of the Rockies is redoubling our efforts to meet the increased need for food assistance in our communities. In 2020, we distributed over 100 million pounds of food which was a first in our 42-year history. Although this level of demand is unprecedented, we are committed to continuing to distribute food until everyone in our service region thrives. Check out our Annual Report to read more about our collective impact in 2020.
New Look, Same Vision
In February, Food Bank of the Rockies will unveil a new logo, mission statement, values, and a more streamlined website, as well as some design updates across our fleet and distribution centers. We started this process early in 2019 and are excited to finally reveal our new look and updated mission statement which more accurately reflect the organization we strive to be.
Our steadfast commitment to our community remains unchanged. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with all of you to foster a community where food security is a reality and all thrive. We look forward to sharing more in the near future.
Community Story: Monica
If you have visited our mobile pantry distribution site at Hinkley High School, Monica or one of her children has likely loaded your car with food. For the past five years, this Hunger Hero has helped nourish both her community and her family through volunteering.
“And since the pandemic, we have been doing more and more,” Monica confessed. “They need more volunteers and more help.” On average, more than 200 families rely on the mobile pantry distribution site where Monica volunteers.
“Some of them didn’t know what they were going to get, and they’re amazed when they see the meat or all the fruit they’re getting. Everyone is so grateful and happy. This is helping them a lot,” she observed. When times become challenging, Monica also leans into this community for food assistance and support. “I’m thankful to get some food for my kids, too.”
Community Story: Jeanette
“Money was short,” Jeanette disclosed. “Without [the mobile-pantry], we wouldn’t have been able to get food.”
In March, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect our community, Jeanette was injured from a fall. When her income was cut short, her household needed help to make ends meet. Facing food insecurity for the first time in years, Jeanette was unsure where to turn for assistance. Fortunately, she and her family heard about the Food Bank of the Rockies’ distribution in Morgan County. She, along with her partner Shane and dog Spuds, visited our special, holiday mobile-pantry the Sunday before Christmas.
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While the holiday looked a little different for the family this year, they were still able to have a Christmas dinner thanks to the holiday food box. “We’ll still have a dinner,” she affirmed. “There just won’t be gifts until later on until we get back up.”
Gifts are not the only thing Jeanette plans to buy when she returns to work. “Once we get back on our feet, we plan to donate to the food bank.”
Shop and Dine to Benefit Food Bank of the Rockies
By shopping at King Soopers or ordering takeout via Spare Hunger, your choices can positively support our mission to ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive. Check out the latest promotions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Mobile Pantry Intake Volunteer
Looking to become an integral part of our mobile pantries? Become a client intake volunteer. We are looking for dedicated and consistent volunteers to help check mobile pantry clients into our Link2Feed software. After attending our specialized training, you will be given priority access to shifts at our outdoor mobile pantries throughout Metro Denver. We ask that volunteers commit to at least one mobile pantry per month at their desired location and time. Basic computer skills required. Bilingual skills desired.
The next volunteer training will occur on Tuesday, February 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
General Mobile Pantry Volunteer
Food Bank of the Rockies’ mobile food pantries are in critical need of volunteer support throughout the region. As 2021 commences, multiple mobile pantries are open for volunteer shifts. This is an opportunity to meet the communities we serve as demand hits an all-time high.
Please sign up to volunteer at a mobile pantry here.
Home Delivery Program Volunteer
In April 2020, Food Bank of the Rockies launched the Volunteer Home Delivery Program in an effort to meet the need for home-delivered food assistance to adults aged 60+ who are quarantining at home because of the pandemic. Volunteers coordinate with our team and use their own transportation to distribute boxes of food to community members.
We are seeking additional volunteers. Routes are grouped by zip code, and drivers deliver within the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. window. Shifts are flexible and are not more than three hours in duration. Pick up time at our warehouse is scheduled according to a driver’s availability. Volunteer drivers make an average of ten deliveries per shift.
To learn more, please visit our initial application page.
Hunger in the News
Food Bank of the Rockies Delivers as Need Surges | The Gazette
When the pandemic first hit in March, Food Bank of the Rockies changed its operations overnight to increase operational capacity while following strict COVID guidelines. Check out a video featuring Chief Operating Officer, Steve Kullberg, and CEO & President, Erin Pulling.
100 Million Milestone | KJCT
As we head into 2021, Food Bank of the Rockies has not slowed down. The increased need for food assistance is projected to continue for the next two years. Watch a video featuring Sue Ellen Rodwick, Western Slope Director and hunger-relief partner Central High School.
Live on the Radio January 2 | NO COPAY RADIO
How has COVID-19 changed the way Food Bank of the Rockies operates to better serve the increased need in the community? Erin Pulling, our CEO and President, answers these and many more questions during an insightful interview.
