February Greetings, Western Slope Partners!
Winter on the Western Slope is a season of beauty and challenge. As snow blankets the mountains and temperatures dive below zero, we find ourselves navigating the unique hurdles of serving our neighbors facing hunger during these colder months.
Let’s talk about those subzero mornings — when forklifts groan in protest, truck batteries beg for mercy, and we’re pretty sure someone’s coffee froze mid-pour. The struggle is real. Whether it’s equipment refusing to cooperate or bundling up in every layer we own just to unload a truck, winter keeps us on our toes (and sometimes slipping on icy ones!).
Transportation is its own adventure. Snow-packed roads and sudden storms can slow even the most punctual delivery schedules. Our incredible Food Bank of the Rockies drivers take on hazardous conditions, maneuvering icy highways, winding passes, and snow-covered loading docks. Their grit and determination ensure nourishing food reaches pantries, even when it feels like Mother Nature is rooting against us.
Then there’s the task of serving out of less-than-ideal spaces — parking lots turned into distribution hubs, snowbanks doubling as directional signage, and wind gusts strong enough to steal your clipboard. Whether outdoors or indoors, every distribution presents its own challenges, and we marvel at the creativity and resilience you bring to each situation.
We also want to recognize the heroic efforts of your volunteers and teams. You brave the elements to unload trucks, greet neighbors with warmth (even when your toes are frozen), and ensure no one leaves empty-handed. It’s a team effort, and we’re deeply grateful for every shovel of snow cleared, every box stacked, and every coat zipped up for another long day.
With all these challenges, winter teaches us valuable lessons in patience, flexibility, and grace. Delays happen. Schedules shift. And despite our best efforts, things don’t always go perfectly. But here’s the good news: together, we adapt. By staying connected, communicating openly, and understanding the hurdles we all face, we make the seemingly impossible happen.
So here’s to you — our Western Slope Hunger Relief Partners — whose dedication shines as brightly as freshly fallen snow. Thank you for your resilience, your heart, and your commitment to nourishing people facing hunger, no matter what the forecast brings. Let’s continue to work hand in hand, knowing we’re stronger together.
Stay warm, stay safe, and remember: Spring is coming!
In gratitude,
Western Slope Programs and Operations Teams
Program Updates
MARK YOUR CALENDAR – Regional Partner Town Hall Meetings
Join your Hunger Relief Partner peers and members of Food Bank of the Rockies to hear updates and share your insights about what is happening in your communities. In February, we will share an exciting update about the new Find Food mapping tool and how your organization will claim your profile to make updates. You’ll also hear from Jennie Kim, our Nutrition Manager, about the roll out of SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries). Invites and Zoom links will be sent directly with the primary contact on your account. Please feel free to share with others who wish to join.
- Mountain Partner Town Hall – Wednesday, February 12, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Western Slope Partner Town Hall – Wednesday, February 19, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Government Programs
New Everyday Eats Income Guidelines!
We are excited to announce that the Everyday Eats income eligibility guidelines have increased to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level! We are thrilled by the opportunity to serve older adults who were previously ineligible. Link2Feed is updated and the new applications can be found on the
Connecting with Neighbors at Everyday Eats Partner Distributions
Our bilingual SNAP representatives are available to support our older adult neighbors in accessing SNAP benefits by attending Everyday Eats distributions or other outreach opportunities at your location. Help connect neighbors to this vital resource. Please email Dean Madrid at dmadrid@foodbankrockies.org for more information and to schedule a time for him to attend your distribution.
Connect with us during our Everyday Eats Office Hours!
Join us during scheduled office hours to ask your questions about Everyday Eats and hear updates from our Government Programs Team including details on the new eligibility guidelines included above.
Tuesday, February 4, 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87117326793?pwd=OBnP0HWlNkIWABsU6bLEbcQCWGSp1J.1
- Meeting ID: 871 1732 6793
- Passcode: 216125
Monday, February 10, 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83637597231?pwd=E2GVJBtHqvG7RtFbQfwRmNMDLRSSPb.1
- Meeting ID: 836 3759 7231
- Passcode: 144723
Thursday, February 20, 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85383782367?pwd=5P24KfCV19NIxSO7oVaw4KbHekJPpo.1
- Meeting ID: 853 8378 2367
- Passcode: 826780
TEFAP Eligibility Application Updates
TEFAP Eligibility Applications have gotten a couple of new updates! First, the income guidelines have been updated, as shown below:
Secondly, the address field of the TEFAP Eligibility Application has been updated to only require the collection of a ZIP code. This means that you may not require the disclosure of a full street address for TEFAP participation moving forward. Please note that if a neighbor does not wish to provide their ZIP code, you will input the ZIP code of your pantry instead.
Updated TEFAP Eligibility Applications can be found at https://cdhs.colorado.gov/TEFAP and must be in use by January 30, 2025.
TEFAP Policy Update
Neighbors wishing to participate in TEFAP are no longer required to provide identification! Please remove asking for identification and/or proof of address from your intake process.
Food for Kids Update
Totes of Hope™
During our Town Hall in December, we continued our conversations about Totes of Hope™ menus, the switch to pre-packed totes, and looked at the resource map for Totes of Hope™ partners (and the form to add suggestions). We hope to continue these virtual town hall meetings as periodic check-ins about the program and hold space for continued collaboration and feedback.
Remember to enter your numbers in Link2Feed as you distribute Totes of Hope™ to the kids and families in your community! Reach out to FFK@foodbankrockies.org if you have any questions or need support.
CACFP
The annual CACFP training is now online! If you are a fresh or shelf-stable after school meals partner with us, we now have a virtual option for the CACFP Overview training on NeoGov. This training is one of the compliance requirements for any staff or volunteer responsible for meal service. Access to NeoGov can be found in our Partner Portal under the “Partner Training” category. If you have any questions, please email FFK@foodbankrockies.org.
Nutrition Update
Learn about Healthy Eating Research (HER) /Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP)

Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) is launching this year, aligning with Healthy Eating Research (HER) guidelines that promote the donation and selection of nutritious foods. This program is intended to support our Hunger Relief Partners in categorizing food offerings for neighbors and to help neighbors choose nutritious food for them and their families that ultimately help reduce risk of developing diet-associated chronic diseases. It is a simple traffic-light model with intuitive labels and easy communication to inform folks of the nutrient density of foods. Join us at the February Regional Partner Town Hall meetings (dates listed above) for more information about this program and how you can bring SWAP to your food pantry in early 2025. Contact Food Bank of the Rockies Nutrition Manager, Jennie Kim, with any questions at jkim@foodbankrockies.org.
Culturally Responsive Food Initiative Update
The Culturally Responsive Team is excited to share information on a new learning opportunity available to our Hunger Relief Partners: The Community Food Preference Learning Path. Our team will support you in completing a food preference survey with your neighbors to better understand the unique preferences and dietary needs of your community, and you will receive $1,000 in food credits to respond to the insights gained.
Applications are now open! Watch the video below to learn more. Please reach out to crfi@foodbankrockies.org with any questions.
View the 2025 cultural holiday calendar here. We publish a yearly Holiday Calendar that includes the major holidays for the common cultures within our communities, including suggested foods and common dishes as well as considerations for quantity and timing to enable your support of your neighbors’ celebrations and observances in 2025.
Partner Highlight

The Salvation Army has been a steadfast presence on the Western Slope since 1908, serving neighbors in need for 117 years. First established in Grand Junction, the organization has since expanded its reach to Delta, with both locations offering vital services to their communities. We are especially grateful for their long-standing partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies, which has been instrumental in extending our shared reach and impact across the region.Grand Junction: Where It All Began
The Salvation Army of Grand Junction serves as both a fully functioning church and a social services hub. Under the current leadership of Alaina Johnson and her dedicated team, this location provides emergency food boxes, grab-and-go bags, TEFAP/Everyday Eats boxes, and clothing vouchers. In addition, they offer utility assistance, host a community Thanksgiving meal, and provide Christmas support for families. Their compassionate approach and commitment to walking alongside neighbors in need make a meaningful impact every day.
Delta: A Heart for Social Services
While the Delta location is not a church, it is a lifeline of hope for many. Led by Stacy Cox, Nichole Zielisko, and an incredible team of volunteers, the Delta Salvation Army offers pantry boxes, weekend food bags, TEFAP/Everyday Eats boxes, and Totes for Hope™ food bags for kids. They also provide assistance with utilities and distribute vouchers for clothing and household goods. Like Grand Junction, they provide Thanksgiving and Christmas help, bringing holiday joy to many households.
A Shared Mission
Both locations share a mission of meeting neighbors where they are, providing resources, and extending love and dignity to those experiencing challenges. “It takes courage to ask for help,” the team shared, “and we are honored to be the hands and feet of Christ to others.”
The Salvation Army’s enduring presence and unwavering commitment to service exemplify what it means to care for a community. We are proud to partner with their teams as they continue their remarkable work on the Western Slope.
To learn more or support their efforts find more information at grandjunction.salvationarmy.org or visit them in Grand Junction or Delta!
Staff Highlight
Kaila Green’s journey with Food Bank of the Rockies is a story of passion, dedication, and a dash of country dancing. Originally from Kansas, Kaila has called Colorado home for 23 years, spending the last seven (minus a brief stint in Denver) in Grand Junction.
Kaila’s career with the Food Bank began in 2020 when she joined the MarComm department. Over the years, she’s worn many hats — working in Grocery Rescue, Link2Feed, Partner Support, and now leading the charge as Direct Services Lead on the Western Slope. Since July 2022, Kaila has overseen the Mobile Pantry Program on the Western Slope, earning a promotion to Mobile Pantry Lead within a year. She didn’t stop there — she took on the Food for Health Program last summer, juggling both roles with aptitude, grace, and humor.
Kaila’s passion for her work is simple but inspiring: “You spend so much of your life at work. I wanted to do something I’d enjoy while making a difference in my community.” And make a difference she does — her leadership and heart help bring food to neighbors facing hunger every day.
When she’s not helping neighbors, Kaila loves adventuring with her Great Pyrenees/Border Collie mix, Koda. Whether hiking, country dancing, tackling puzzles, or enjoying Italian food (anything carb-loaded will do!), Kaila finds joy in the little things. A highlight of her travels? Visiting Panama to explore her mother’s roots.
Kaila’s journey reminds us all that hard work and heart can take you far. She’s proof that making a difference doesn’t just change lives — it fills them with purpose.
Neighbor Resources
Utility Bill Help Program
Stay warm this winter with the Utility Bill Help program (BH). Facing escalating costs for basics like rent or mortgage payments, groceries, and other services, older Coloradans should know about UBH. Find more information at this link: states.aarp.org/colorado/stay-warm-this-winter-with-the-utility-bill-help-program.
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