In 2020, the Food Bank of the Rockies distributed more than 100 million pounds of food for the first time in the organization's 42-year history.
The Food Bank of the Rockies doubled down on its efforts in March as the pandemic became a local concern. It offered drive-up distribution opportunities, home delivery, and worked with its Hunger Relief Partner network to meet the increased need for assistance.
In 2019, the organization distributed 71.5 million pounds of food.
The food collected in 2020 — more than 100 million pounds — helped provide 83 million meals for people in need. In 2020, 30% of the people who the organization helped hadn't sought assistance from them before the pandemic.
We hit a MAJOR milestone in 2020: We distributed more than 100M lbs of food throughout Colorado & Wyoming!
— Food Bank Rockies (@FoodBankRockies) January 13, 2021
This is 43% more than we provided in 2019!
Thank you to all the amazing #HungerHeroes who are helping us nourish our community! Together, we can #FightHunger & #FeedHope https://t.co/SD51zteCGb
Erin Pulling, Food Bank of the Rockies president and CEO, said 2020 introduced a whole new level of need.
“We’re serving many people who have lost their jobs and are facing food insecurity for the first time," she said. "More than 30% of the people we’re serving report never needing food assistance before this. And families and individuals who were already vulnerable have found themselves in dire need.”
She said according to Feeding America, this increased need may continue for another two years. Pulling said Food Bank of the Rockies is committed to helping wherever they're needed.
Food Bank of the Rockies works with more than 800 hunger-relief partners in Colorado and Wyoming.
In 2021, the organization said it will continue to grow its distribution of fresh produce and dairy, and will expand its signature programs, such as mobile pantries, food for kids including after school and summer meals and snacks and Totes of Hope take-home food bags, and home delivery services for community members who are high-risk.
Donations and volunteers are welcome and needed. The organization is unable to accept food donations as of Thursday due to COVID-19, but encourages financial donations.
To find the closest locations providing emergency food assistance, click here.