Food Bank of the Rockies

Every Donation Counts

By Katrina McDowell on Jun 13, 2024 in Giving

Serving 32 counties in Colorado and the entire state of Wyoming, Food Bank of the Rockies ignites the power of community to nourish people facing hunger.

Since its establishment in 1978 in Denver, the Food Bank of the Rockies has been a steadfast pillar in the fight against hunger. As the largest hunger relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, it is a testament to its commitment and ability to address the enormous hunger challenge. Distributing upwards of 196,000 meals daily, the Food Bank of the Rockies puts the power of the community to work for its neighbors. Providing more than just a meal, this organization gives hope and opens a future for its clients.

“Because when you can’t provide for your family today, it’s hard to even think about tomorrow,” said Charlene Moser, corporate partnerships manager at Food Bank for the Rockies.

Ninety-six cents of every dollar go directly to distribution. Food Bank of the Rockies has four distribution centers and coordinates with more than 800 Hunger Relief Partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, acting as a distribution hub for food, essentials and logistical resources. It also operates its direct programs, providing for those in need through its Mobile Pantries, Food for Kids programs and home-delivery services for older adults.

The Food Bank of the Rockies is focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, cultural prevalences and expanding its Food for Health program to focus on community members living with chronic diseases such as pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Those suffering from diseases will receive a box of food and produce delivered to their homes weekly for an entire year to help them maintain or restore their health.

Every donation makes a difference! The community’s need for food is still higher than pre-COVID levels. The food bank spends more than three times as much monthly to purchase food than before. Thanks to its robust purchasing power, Food Rescue Program, government allotments, donations, and lower bulk pricing, one dollar helps distribute enough food for three meals. Yardi’s funding and volunteer work have made a tremendous difference for the Food Bank of the Rockies.

“Since 2020, Yardi has donated more than $110,000 to Food Bank of the Rockies, enabling us to provide more than 330,000 meals throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Your impact is meaningful, and we are grateful! We could not do what we do without amazing partners like Yardi,” explained Moser.

Happy Clients

The following stories are from some neighbors of the Food Bank of the Rockies who receive food assistance through its mobile pantry or Food for Health program.

• Sam: Sam is a patient at Denver Indian Health and Family Services receiving treatment for his diabetes. Sam shared that food expenses have been challenging for a daughter to care for, even with SNAP benefits. His medical provider connected him with the Food for Health Program to help with both his diabetes and lessen the burden of food insecurity. “We’ve been living just off the bare necessities lately, and this really helps to prepare meals and stuff on a weekly basis. Sometimes, I have leftovers, use my food stamps, and make a meal out of all that.”

• Dasja and her mother, Sabrina. Dasja and her mother, Sabrina, live near one another and do everything together. That includes getting food at their local food pantry, a Hunger Relief Partner of Food Bank of the Rockies. Dasja has Chron’s disease, is on disability, and is a stay-at-home mom for her seven-year-old daughter. She shared that the food they get to choose from the food pantry helps, especially when it comes to managing her Chron’s disease with a specific diet. “I’m always trying to cook different meals, so this really helps out,” said Dasja. “The meat is good because you can read the [recipes and instructions they include], portion it, and freeze it. They have fish, which is good because that’s what I do for Crohn’s disease — I do non-dairy and boneless, skinless chicken or fish. And the ground turkey is really good. And the tuna.” 

Volunteer Opportunities

#TeamYardi Denver volunteered in March at the Food Bank of the Rockies. Along with other volunteers, they packed over 25,000 pounds of food—the equivalent of 21,000 meals! The Food Bank of the Rockies welcomes Yardi volunteers back at any time.

The Food Bank of the Rockies offers volunteer shifts six days a week, both morning and afternoon, in its warehouse and the community at mobile pantry distributors. Volunteers inspect, sort and pack food, pull orders in the warehouse and even work in the food bank’s kitchen to prepare meals for kids in after-school programs. The Food Bank welcomes all individuals ten years of age and up. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Food insecurity continues to increase, and the need in the community is significant.

“We are doing all we can to serve our neighbors with dignity and approach our work thoughtfully,” said Moser. She continued, “Everything we do is possible because of the amazing support we get from corporate and community partners and individuals like you. We are grateful! THANK YOU, Yardi!”

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