March is the month during which winter ends and spring begins. 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 slow growth, 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 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, including items like chiles, peaches, cabbage, melons, apples, tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash, tomatillos, and herbs.
These local foods are beginning their growing cycle now! Even with the cut to 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.
Important Dates
Please note the following dates. A full calendar is available in the link below.
- March 31 – Order pick-up and Fresh Food Center until 11:00 a.m.
- April 8 – New partner and shopper orientation at 10:00 a.m. (virtual)
- April 16 – Tour Food Bank of the Rockies at 1:00 p.m.; in-person new partner and shopper orientation at 1:45 p.m.
- April 24 – New partner and shopper orientation at 1:00 p.m.(virtual)
- April 30 – Food Bank of the Rockies will be closed for quarterly all-staff training and meeting; no order pick-ups or Fresh Food Center
To sign up for orientation or for questions about any of the dates above, contact partnersupport@foodbankrockies.org. For our full, detailed calendars, please click here.
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
Feeding Colorado Presentations
Feeding Colorado will be doing network-wide presentations on policy priorities and federal and state legislative updates on April 3 from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. and April 4 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Zoom links to register for these webinars will be sent out soon.
Program Updates
Important Update: Lunch Closure and Changes to Fresh Food Center Hours Starting April 14, 2025
We would like to inform you that effective April 14, the Fresh Food Center will be closed for lunch from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This change allows our staff to take a lunch break and provides time to restock the Fresh Food Center. During this period, the entrance to our warehouse and the lobby area within partner support will be locked; Hunger Relief Partners will not be allowed to congregate during the scheduled lunch break. We ask that you remain in your vehicle or outside in the common area until 12:30 p.m. We appreciate your understanding during this time. Hunger Relief Partners who have placed an order for 12:30 p.m. pick-up will still receive 20 minutes to go through the Fresh Food Center once you have checked in.
With this scheduled lunch break, please be advised that our Fresh Food Center hours are also affected. Without an order, the new afternoon hours will be from 1:00 p.m.-3:10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, we will no longer accept early check-in for Fresh Food Center visits; sign-in without an order will begin at 1:00 p.m.
We are committed to providing you with the best service possible and appreciate your continued partnership and support to nourish our neighbors facing hunger. Should you have any questions about these new hours and processes for visiting our distribution in the afternoon, please contact partnersupport@foodbankrockies.org.
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:
- Watch the 1-minute Vivery Overview video: https://vimeo.com/749198717/43155f012b
- View the recorded Vivery Quick Start Webinar from March 5: https://vimeo.com/1062963798/967195c463?ts=0&share=copy
- Check out the Vivery Help Center: https://vivery.zohodesk.com/portal/en/home
- Schedule a 1-on-1 support session: https://calendly.com/engagement_support/pantry-live-training
- Contact the Vivery support team at support@vivery.org
Government Programs
TEFAP & Everyday Eats Update
All TEFAP and Everyday Eats partners must now update their websites to contain the most current non-discrimination statement. Previously used links are outdated and no longer accessible. A link to or text of the full version must be used for this web-based platform. For convenience, copy and paste the statement below into the footer of your website to be visible on all pages. Be certain to ensure the link works properly after your update. This should be posted in the “About” section of your Facebook page, if your organization uses Facebook.
Required non-discrimination statement: This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Read the full USDA non-discrimination statement by clicking on this link.
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, March 26, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Join the meeting with this link
- Meeting ID: 212 549 493 404 Passcode: ZN9hi7mf
Thursday, April 3, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Join the meeting with this link
- Meeting ID: 258 657 930 216 Passcode: HP3JR9eb
Wednesday, April 23, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
- Join the meeting with this link
- Meeting ID: 225 132 747 488 Passcode: Sk7RQ9wT
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
- April 30 – All-staff meeting; kitchen closed
- 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 2-June 6 – Kitchen closed
- June 9 – First day of SFSP
- July 31 – All-staff meeting; kitchen closed
- August 5 – Last day of SFSP
Culturally Responsive Food Initiative Update
Look Out for Ramadan Items on Agency Express
We are supporting Ramadan again this year by offering the following items: almonds, cashews, chickpeas/garbanzo beans (cooked/canned), canola oil, dried dates, long grain white rice, pistachios, and halal chicken. Ramadan ends on Saturday, March 29, and Eid al Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Sunday, March 30.
Food Sourcing Update
Community Choice Produce Program Update
Since December, Food Bank of the Rockies has been piloting the Community Choice Produce Program, providing partners the option to access supplemental specialty produce at low costs. This program does not impact the produce you normally receive at no cost on Partner Express or via the FRESH Program. Since December, the Community Choice Produce Program has offered avocadoes, tomatoes, limes, and jalapenos to many partners! We decide which items to source based on the neighbor food preference surveys we administer, aiming to provide the items that are in most demand from our communities. To find Community Choice Produce on Partner Express, search for produce and you’ll see the (PURCHASED) description on these items. We welcome suggestions, input, and feedback on this program, which is still in its pilot phase! Please share feedback to partnersupport@foodbankrockies.org.
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.
Neighbor Resources
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.
