Following another year of unpredictability and uncertainty caused by COVID-19, it feels necessary to pause and reflect on the many highs and lows experienced by Food Bank of the Rockies and the communities we serve.

The sustained high need for food assistance last year can be seen acutely in the numbers in this report, particularly in the food-insecurity rates amongst kids, which are even higher than the general population. In fiscal year 2021, we distributed over 110 million pounds of food — a 34.5% increase over the previous year. There were several factors contributing to this rise in need, including the high unemployment rate and the increase in price for basic goods like gas, diapers, and groceries.

To meet this need, we are:

• Purchasing more food than ever — spending nearly $1 million every month, more than triple our food purchasing budget from just two years ago
• Adding new programs like FRESH, dedicated to providing raw fruits and vegetables at no cost to our 800+ Hunger Relief Partners
• Expanding our Culturally Responsive Food Initiative, which provides culturally respectful foods such as pinto beans; teff, masa, and Blue Bird flour; and mung beans to the diverse communities we serve
• Increasing the reach of our Mobile Pantry program, home deliveries of EverGreen Boxes™, and support to Hunger Relief Partners
• Joining fellow hunger-relief organizations in advocating for better access to federal nutrition programs and providing education so that critical food assistance can reach those in need with fewer barriers

All of these initiatives align with Food Bank of the Rockies’ recent rebranding. More than just a new look, our rebranding embodies our mission to ignite the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. We do this through our programs, partners, volunteers, staff, and generous donors throughout Colorado and Wyoming. For a community to thrive, every member must have the resources they need to flourish. We work daily to provide equitable access to proper nourishment for all: no matter where they live or what circumstances life has thrown their way.

As the past 20+ months have shown us,  hardship can strike any of us at any time. And it is through the power of community — all of us, together — that we can help each other thrive.