Dear Hunger Relief Partners,
This spring, our team hosted the second annual A Night With(out) — an evening that left our hearts heavy, minds open, and spirits deeply committed to the work we do together.
Held at our Etkin Family Distribution Center, this special gathering was designed not as a fundraiser or a formal dinner, but as an immersive experience that invited our guests to walk in the shoes of someone facing food insecurity: one in eight of our Western Colorado neighbors; maybe someone we know; maybe someone we see often, but never truly see.
Through thoughtfully assigned profiles, limited “budgets,” and meal choices that mimicked real-life decisions people must make every day, attendees got a glimpse of what it means to make do. The choices weren’t easy, and that was the point. For many people living in low-income households, the question isn’t what sounds good for dinner — it’s will there be dinner at all?
And yet, through this powerful experience, hope emerged. Hope in the form of new understanding. Of judgment set aside. Of generosity, partnership, and commitment to change. Together, we raised awareness and the support necessary to nourish the potential in each of our neighbors.
The stories shared that evening still echo in our building. We heard reflections of childhood meals made of butter and sugar sandwiches, of tough trade-offs at the dinner table, of stretching every dollar and every bite. And we heard compassion, too — the kind that sparks action. The kind that reminds us why we do this work: because people matter. Every person. Every story. Every plate.
We’re already dreaming about next year’s A Night With(out) — and we want you there. This event is something truly unique, and we believe it belongs to all of us. Our partners, our volunteers, our friends — everyone who cares about making sure our communities are fed with dignity.
So, consider this your early invitation. We hope you’ll join us in 2026 as we continue to spotlight the stories behind the statistics and come together to do something about them.
With deep gratitude for all you do,
Sue Ellen Rodwick
Western Slope Director
Important Dates
- Monday, May 26: Food Bank of the Rockies is closed for Memorial Day
- Please plan ahead as we are unable to facilitate a make-up delivery day
For our full, detailed calendars, please click here.
Western Slope Regional Partner Gatherings
Please join us for a half-day gathering in your region that will offer an interactive experience with both professionals and peers!
We will feature food safety education related to food rescue management and best practices, as well as showcase a nutrition session that explores Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) opportunities, tools, and support. Lunch, networking, and camaraderie will all be included. Check your email for the invitation and link to RSVP. We sincerely hope you will save the date for the event closest to you.
Friday, May 23
- Glenwood Springs, Morgridge Commons
- 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3
- Montrose County Library
- 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Friendly Seasonal Reminder
As the weather gets warmer, we want to remind you of some very important details:
- Food safety regulations require that food being picked up at our distribution center must have protection from the elements. In the summer months, having freezer blankets or insulated tarps and/or coolers for the transport of frozen and refrigerated items is best practice. We have freezer blankets available to purchase on Agency Express (item number WS17577).
- Be sure we are your last stop for pick-up so your order stays food safety compliant during all weather conditions. Getting it back to your location ASAP is another best practice!
Open-toed shoes and sandals are not allowed in the warehouse.
Thank you for keeping both food and yourself safe this summer!
Feeding Colorado Advocacy/Policy Update
Welcome Ron – New Feeding Colorado Government Relations Manager
Ron Meehan is excited to join Feeding Colorado as the Government Relations Manager. He previously served as Director of Government Affairs for Food Bank of Alaska and Manager of Alaska Food Coalition, where he coordinated more than 215 food banks and food pantries, tribal organizations, faith-based groups, health centers, and senior centers, among others. He has either volunteered, worked, or been a board member for food banks for the last 17 years, beginning as a volunteer at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank when he was eight years old. He previously served as the secretary of the Alaska Public Interest Research Group, a board member for the Alaska Food Policy Council, and president of the largest community council in Alaska. He has a background in politics and advocacy and has worked on over a dozen campaigns from legislative races to governor. He received a BA from Wesleyan University in government and environmental studies and a certificate in nonprofit management from The Foraker Group. You can reach him at rmeehan@feedingcolorado.org.
Feeding Colorado State Legislative Tracker
Check out our state bill tracker on our website to see which bills we’re following in the 2025 Colorado General Assembly. We are continuing to advocate for the Community Food Providers Assistance Grant during significant budget challenges in the state.
Federal Updates
We are tracking federal program changes very closely and are in communication with state agencies, food bank programs staff, and leadership to understand real-time impacts to programs and neighbors. In addition, we are in close contact with our members of Congress and advocate frequently for the programs our network relies on.
Partner Impact Form
Please use this form to submit any comments, questions or concerns about how any executive orders may be impacting your network.
Action Alerts
Are you interested in getting more involved in advocacy? Fill out this form to learn more and get involved! We will be sharing action alerts, updates, and newsletters to subscribers in the coming months.
Program Updates
Quarterly Town Halls
Quarterly town halls offer an opportunity for our Hunger Relief Partners in each region to connect with each other, learn about updates and opportunities relevant to their geographic regions, and more. In May, we’ll discuss our new Community Connections and Partner Solutions teams, designed to better serve you and the neighbors we support together. Invites and Teams meeting links will be sent to the main contact on your account. We hope to see you there!
- Mountain: Wednesday, May 14, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Western Slope: Wednesday, May 21, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Government Programs
Everyday Eats
We are pleased to announce another increase in the income eligibility guidelines for Everyday Eats, effective March 7, 2025. This increase is based on 150% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level.
We will share new applications as soon as we receive them from the Colorado Department of Human Services. While we wait, please use the guidelines below to confirm neighbor eligibility along with age and state residency. Link2Feed has been updated to reflect these new guidelines.
https://cdhs.colorado.gov/CSFP
| Household size | Monthly maximum household income | Annual maximum household income |
| 1 | $1,957 | $23,475 |
| 2 | $2,644 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $3,332 | $39,975 |
| 4 | $4,019 | $48,225 |
| 5 | $4,707 | $56,475 |
| 6 | $5,394 | $64,725 |
| Add per extra family member | $688 | $8,250 |
Food Sourcing Update
Food Bank of the Rockies was fortunate to receive fiscal year 2025 state funding to purchase highly desired and nutritious food to distribute to partners at no cost. This grant, the Community Food Provider Assistance Grant (CFPAG), has enabled us to provide hundreds of thousands of pounds of nutritious, shelf-stable items and locally sourced Colorado protein to partners this year! The final loads of CFPAG product will be landing in our Denver and Western Slope distribution centers this month. We are excited to provide the following: canned tuna, canned green beans, canned soup, and Colorado-produced frozen ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken, and chicken breasts. You can find CFPAG products on Partner Express by searching “CFPAG” in the search bar. Please note that these are the last CFPAG loads for this fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
The Purchasing Team is also excited to launch a Partner Purchased Food Preference Survey! This is the first time Food Bank of the Rockies has conducted a survey specifically around our purchased food inventory. We plan to use these insights to directly influence our purchased product availability and better tailor it to what our partners need and prefer when purchasing food items. If you purchase food from us, look for an email from your Community Connector team member with a link to the survey. Your response is vital to helping us better meet your needs and the needs of our neighbors!
Nutrition Update
Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) has launched! Partners who implement SWAP at their pantries promote well-balanced nutrition and chronic disease prevention with neighbors by using an easy-to-understand stoplight ranking system of foods. The training course on NEOGOV is live and you can self-enroll to learn more about the program and test your knowledge. This training course is required for partners implementing SWAP. For more information about how to bring SWAP to your organization, reach out to Jennie Kim, Nutrition Manager, at jkim@foodbankrockies.org or call 303-879-0236. Log in here to find the training: foodbankrockies.org/partner-portal/partner-training
New Partner Highlight
Welcoming Our New Partner: CAFE Food Rescue
We’re thrilled to introduce a new Hunger Relief Partner doing incredible work in Summit County — CAFE Food Rescue. Driven by a powerful mission to serve, partner, and engage the community in making the best use of food surplus, CAFE Food Rescue transforms what could be waste into nourishment and connection. They are dedicated to the well-being of our planet and its people by optimizing food surplus usage instead of wasteful disposal. Their work improves food equity, supports the health of both people and the planet, and shows just how powerful local collaboration can be.
CAFE Food Rescue was born out of a need — and a vision. Founder and Executive Director Diane Calvin saw surplus food going to waste while neighbors in her community faced growing food insecurity. What began as a one-woman effort during the early days of COVID has grown into a dynamic organization that rescues nutritious, chef-prepared meals and high-quality grocery items, connecting them with people who need them most.
Diane’s expertise in solid waste management and food recovery helped CAFE Food Rescue take off, but it’s the team’s passion and heart that keep it going strong. Leanne Kelly, Operations Manager, has helped the organization streamline its work, developing systems that make it easier for volunteers to track food collections and serve more people efficiently. Leanne sees food as the heart of community, believing that gathering around the table is a powerful act of connection. Osmedo Molano Narvaez, Bilingual Food Rescue Specialist, brings great passion for food rescue in Summit County. He ensures that CAFE Food Rescue’s work encapsulates the unique makeup of the community’s population, creating space for everyone to engage, whether receiving food or rescuing it.
Food Bank of the Rockies is honored to partner with CAFE Food Rescue as they continue to expand their reach, reduce environmental impact, and nourish both neighbors and our natural resources. Welcome to the team, CAFE Food Rescue! We’re so grateful for your leadership, heart, and shared commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable future.
New Program Staffing Highlight
Meet Angela Hyde, Our New Direct Services Representative!
We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Western Slope Programs team — Angela Hyde! Angela is stepping into the role of Direct Services Representative, where she’ll collaborate on both our Mobile Pantry and Food for Health programs. With her warm heart, creative spirit, and personal connection to our mission, Angela brings a beautiful blend of experience and passion to our work.
Originally from the Granite State (that’s New Hampshire for those of us who need a map!), Angela grew up in the Boston area before making her way west. She’s called Grand Junction home for the past five years, following her bachelor’s degree and a calling to serve. Her background includes nonprofit work with the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and the Center for Independence here in Mesa County.
Angela’s love for community care is matched by her love of the arts. When she’s not out supporting neighbors facing hunger, you’ll likely find her painting, reading, or writing — she’s even had several of her poems published!
What draws Angela most to this work is her own lived experience with food insecurity. “It’s something I’ve been through myself,” she shared. “Being part of a team that is changing that experience for others is truly meaningful.”
Please help us welcome Angela to Food Bank of the Rockies. We know you’ll love working with her as much as we already do!