Food insecurity is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans every year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 35 million people in the country experienced hunger in 2022. In Colorado and Wyoming, one in eight people struggle with hunger, and one in six children do not know where their next meal will come from.

Fortunately, there are organizations that are working hard to fight hunger and provide food assistance to those in need. One of them is Food Bank of the Rockies, the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region. Food Bank of the Rockies helps provide enough food for upwards of 180,000 meals every day to community members in need.

What is Food Bank of the Rockies and what do they do?

Food Bank of the Rockies is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1978. Since then, it has grown to serve 30 counties in Colorado and the entire state of Wyoming through its distribution centers in Denver, Grand Junction, and Casper. Food Bank of the Rockies also partners with more than 800 hunger-relief programs, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools, to distribute food to people who need it.

Food Bank of the Rockies sources food from various donors, such as grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers, and individuals. The food is then sorted, packed, and stored in its warehouses, where it is ready to be distributed to its partner agencies or directly to the community through its mobile pantries and other programs.

Some of the programs that Food Bank of the Rockies offers include:

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This is a federal program that provides USDA commodities, such as canned fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese, and cereal, to low-income households.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): This is another federal program that provides monthly food boxes to seniors aged 60 and older who meet income eligibility guidelines.
• Kids Cafe: This is a program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children after school and during the summer at various sites, such as Boys and Girls Clubs, recreation centers, and libraries.
• Totes of Hope: This is a program that provides weekend food bags to children who are at risk of hunger when school is not in session.
• Mobile Pantry: This is a program that brings fresh and shelf-stable food to rural and underserved areas where access to food is limited or nonexistent.

Why is volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies important and rewarding?

Volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies is a great way to make a difference in your community and help people who are facing hunger. By giving your time and skills, you can support the mission of Food Bank of the Rockies and help them reach more people in need.

Volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies is also a rewarding experience for yourself. You can meet new friends, learn new skills, stay active, and have fun. You can also see the impact of your work firsthand and feel good about helping others.

Some of the benefits of volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies include:

• Making a positive impact: Every hour you volunteer with Food Bank of the Rockies helps provide four meals to someone who is hungry. You can also help raise awareness and advocate for the issue of hunger in your community.
• Being part of a team: You can join a group of dedicated and passionate volunteers who share your values and vision. You can also network with other like-minded individuals and organizations who are working towards a common goal.
• Developing your skills: You can learn new skills or enhance your existing ones by volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies. You can also gain valuable experience and knowledge that can help you in your personal and professional life.
• Having fun: You can enjoy a variety of tasks and activities that suit your interests and abilities. You can also have fun while doing something meaningful and fulfilling.

How can you get involved and volunteer with Food Bank of the Rockies?

If you are interested in volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies, there are plenty of ways to get involved. You can volunteer as an individual, a family, a group, or a corporate team. You can also choose from different opportunities and locations that fit your schedule and preferences.

Some of the volunteer opportunities that Food Bank of the Rockies offers include:

• Sorting and packing food: This is the essential function of every food bank. You can help pick items from the warehouse shelves, check food for quality and expiration dates, sort food into categories, and pack food into boxes and pallets.
• Loading and unloading food: You can help load packed boxes of food onto pallets and into delivery vehicles, or unload food donations from trucks and donors.
• Assisting with food distribution: You can help distribute food to community members at mobile pantries, distribution centers, or other locations. You can also help with registration, traffic control, and customer service.
• Supporting special events: You can help with fundraising events, food drives, or awareness campaigns that Food Bank of the Rockies organizes or participates in. You can also help with planning, logistics, marketing, or entertainment.
• Providing administrative support: You can help with office tasks, such as data entry, filing, mailing, or answering phones. You can also help with research, grant writing, or social media.

To sign up for volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies, you need to fill out a volunteer application that provides them with your contact information and availability. You can find the application form on their website. You can also contact them by phone or email if you have any questions or need more information.

If you live in Colorado or Wyoming, consider volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies and make a difference in your community. You will be working on the frontline of the fight against hunger and be a lifeline to people who need your help. You will also have a rewarding and enjoyable experience for yourself. Volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies is a win-win situation for everyone!