In order to combat this issue, the Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) focuses on helping Colorado residents. Currently, FBR is the largest private organization providing hunger relief services in Colorado. For over 30 years, FBR has distributed supplies and food to over 1,200 hunger relief programs throughout the Eastern Plains, Western Slope, Denver, and northern Colorado. In addition, FBR serves residents of Wyoming. In 2012, the organization provided over 41 million pounds of food.
In order to distribute food and supplies, organizations such as shelters, child-welfare centers, churches, community centers, senior nutrition programs, and various other nonprofit organizations with hunger relief services apply to FBR to become partner agencies. Once approved, these organizations are supplied with food to distribute to the individuals they serve. Children comprise over 40 percent of the individuals who receive these supplies, while the homeless make up less than 15 percent.
FBR provides a variety of food, including fresh produce, bread, and dairy items at no cost. In addition to its items that are provided at no cost or with a small agency support fee, FBR offers a Purchased Food Program. The program provides a way for partner agencies and organizations to purchase child-friendly food items such as rice, pasta, sauces, peanut butter, and other items at a reduced wholesale price.
Through donations, fundraising events, gifts, and grants, FBR provides multiple services, many of which are designed to meet the needs of its chief patrons. Some of these programs include Totes of Hope for children, which offers backpacks filled with meals and snacks to cover those times over the weekend when other food programs may not be available. Totes of Hope also gives seniors with low incomes additional food items to ensure they have a sufficient amount of food in their kitchens.
FBR accepts donations of money, time, and food in order to facilitate its programs. To learn more about how to donate and other services that the organization offers, visit FoodBankRockies.org.