“Is there protein in the food box?” This is one of the questions we hear most often from families working hard to provide nourishing meals on a budget. Thanks to recent funding, Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope has even greater capacity now to purchase meat directly from local ranchers and to process donated wild game.
State funding from the Community Food Assistance Provider Grant helps us purchase meat sourced from local ranchers. One of our partnerships is with Fitch Ranch Meats & Market, a family-owned ranch in Granby and processor in Craig. Fitch Ranch is collaborating with six area ranches to supply local ground beef, pork, and lamb — exactly the kind of high-quality protein families ask for most. Their partnership strengthens our regional food system by keeping resources circulating close to home and building stability for both producers and families.
This year, Food Bank of the Rockies also received a community grant from the Western Colorado Community Foundation designed to spark innovative solutions to funding gaps. The grant covers processing fees for individuals who donate wild game to Food Bank of the Rockies through our new Wild Game Donation Program. Hunters can contribute elk, venison, and other game, which is then professionally processed and distributed to our Hunger Relief Partners. Wild game is often more nutrient dense than traditional grocery store protein options.
“We’re pleased to support this pilot program by partnering with meat processors to bring wild game meat into food pantries,” said Jody Valente, Program Officer at Western Colorado Community Foundation. “This program is a win-win for hunters who visit the region but may not be able to transport all the meat back home with them and for food pantries that seek nutritious foods for their community. Innovative approaches like this one help lessen the loss of federal funding streams, directing quality food to households in need.”
Together, these partnerships strengthen our regional food system by deepening relationships with Western Slope producers and expanding access to high-quality protein. We are incredibly thankful to the state, Western Colorado Community Foundation, our ranching partners, and community members whose generosity makes this work possible.