A Night With(out): A Dinner to Experience Complex Realities returns Thursday, April 9 to the Etkin Family Western Slope Distribution Center in Grand Junction. Now in its third year, this free event is an experiential evening designed to immerse guests in the realities of food insecurity across the Western Slope to better understand the work Food Bank of the Rockies does.
The event begins with drinks and hors d’oeuvres catered by Food Bank of the Rockies Executive Chef Jon Knight and our kitchen team. Guests then proceed to their assigned tables where guided conversations take place.
Each participant receives a real-life story about a person who has received food from Food Bank of the Rockies.
One neighbor story last year featured Claire, a single mother to a 5-year-old child. She visits her local food pantry each week to collect fruits and vegetables that her daughter loves. Claire says the pantry has allowed them to try new foods that she wouldn’t normally look for or buy.
Participants are also provided with typical life event “scenarios,” along with their budget for that evening’s dinner. Guests must choose foods that fit within their remaining budget from a buffet labeled with pricing.
Watch: Attendees Share their Experience at A Night With(out)
Food Bank of the Rockies and our network of Hunger Relief Partners has seen significant increases in people seeking food assistance in the last few years. Right now across the country, Colorado, and the Western Slope, food insecurity rates are the highest they’ve been in 12 years.
A Night With(out) is free to attend, but registering in advance is required.
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Food Bank of the Rockies Etkin Family Distribution Center (698 Long Acre Dr., Grand Junction)
FREE – Register to attend here