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Board Chair
President & CEO
It felt unimaginable two years ago that we would still be dealing with the impact of COVID-19 today. We are, though, and its effects continue to disrupt Food Bank of the Rockies’ mission of providing our neighbors with the food they need to thrive.
Soaring inflation is driving up the cost of basic necessities and forcing more people to seek food assistance. Inflation is also hitting us, with some staples costing as much as 70% more year over year. Indeed, for the first time in recent memory, $1 can now only distribute enough food for three meals, not four — an enormous shift.
To meet the needs of our community, we are spending an additional $1.3 million or more every month to purchase food— over three-times what we were spending pre-COVID. There are multiple factors necessitating this, including:
Amidst these challenges that would have felt insurmountable a few years ago, we have been able to respond with more boldness and perseverance than we could have dreamed. And that is thanks to you, our dedicated supporters. You have recognized this critical moment and heeded the call with generous outpourings of support. Thank you for partnering with us. We are so thankful for you.
Nick Benham​
Board Chair
Erin Pulling
President & CEO
After thousands of Afghan citizens were forced to flee to the U.S. in 2021, Food Bank of the Rockies took action.
Through our Culturally Responsive Food Initiative (CRFI), which provides people with familiar as well as nutritious food, we distributed over 3,400 food boxes tailored to traditional Afghan cuisine. We also crafted special halal lunches for Afghan children over the summer.
“It was the best day of my summer,” shared one recipient.
Jeanne and Nick Dowis both experienced food insecurity when they were younger, and as the
proprietors of the Abram and Ray Kaplan Foundation focus much of their support on organizations dedicated to ending hunger.
“We approach our giving from the end-client’s point of view,” explained Jeanne. “What if we were that client? How would that experience be?”
Added Nick: “We support organizations who look for needs and fulfill them [and] Food Bank of the Rockies is at the root of helping solve hunger.”
Our fiscal year 2022 audited financial reports will be available online in early 2023. To access financial reports from recent years and our upcoming FY22 report, please visit: foodbankrockies.org/about/financials
For the last 10-plus years, Lana Lopes has voluntarily organized the twice-monthly Food Bank of the Rockies mobile pantry at Colorado Community Church.
“Knowing the need is out there and that I can help in some way is why I do this,” Lana explained. “I love helping people.”
On average, the pantry distributes food to over 120 families per distribution and meals to 350 children twice a month. In 2021, more than 500,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of over 416,000 meals — were distributed.
There is no single description of a Food Bank of the Rockies client, but there is a common throughline: They are people in need of food, and they know they can come to us to get the nourishment required to thrive.
We are able to provide these resources to our neighbors thanks to you, our valued and dedicated supporters. With your backing, we are able to look forward to 2023 with hopeful anticipation and optimism, knowing that wherever there is a need, together we will find an innovative, effective way to meet it. Together, we can.
Nick Benham
Chair
Christina Bowen
Vice Chair
Jack Pargeon
Treasurer
Gordon Banks
Secretary
Dan Ball
Garry Beaulieu
Dana Benfield
Errol Brown
Reid Galbraith
Kayla Garcia
Deborah Joa
Nick Morris
Ethan Nkana
Katie O’Connor
Melissa Osse
Raju Patel
Patricia Person
Bart Pugh
Tiffany Todd
Michael Tousignant
Douglas Wilhelm
Inspired to learn more? Check out and download our full annual report.
Wherever hunger rises, so can we.
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click here for full USDA non-discrimination statement.
Food Bank of the Rockies is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized by the IRS, ID 84-0772672. All donations are tax-deductible.