#United States #hunger relief #Aurora #Colorado #Food Bank

A New Hope for Hunger Relief

The Food Bank of the Rockies has officially opened a groundbreaking new distribution center in East Aurora, Colorado, marking a significant step forward in the fight against hunger in the Rocky Mountain region. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 270,000 square feet, is poised to better address the urgent needs of food-insecure individuals and families across Colorado and Wyoming.

Expanding Capacity to Meet Growing Needs

In recent years, the demand for food assistance has surged dramatically. The federal furloughs and reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have heightened the urgency for such initiatives. With the new distribution center, Food Bank of the Rockies aims to double its food storage and distribution capabilities, drastically improving its ability to serve the community.

President and CEO Erin Pulling expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “We are honored to open the doors to this incredible new facility. It signifies a more efficient and dignified approach to hunger relief, demonstrating our commitment to provide essential support to our network of over 700 Hunger Relief Partners.”

Thanks to the generous support from the local community and various partners, the Food Bank is enhancing the way it operates. The new facility includes advanced refrigeration systems, improved logistics, and additional kitchen and volunteer spaces, allowing for a more streamlined operation that can deliver nutritious meals to those in need more effectively.

A Comprehensive Resource for Local Families

This facility is not just about increased physical space; it’s about creating a holistic approach to food assistance. With expanded capabilities, Food Bank of the Rockies plans to:

• - Increase Fresh Produce: The facility will gradually offer up to 50% more fresh produce, crucial for creating balanced and nutritious meals.
• - Enhance Meal Programs: The center enables an increase in the production of kids' meals, aiming to produce four times the number currently provided.
• - Culturally Responsive Foods: It will allow the distribution of up to 300% more culturally appropriate food, ensuring all families feel represented and cared for.
• - Cost Reduction: Consolidating operations under one roof is projected to reduce operating costs by over $500,000 annually, allowing for more funds to be directed toward food programs.

Community Collaboration for Lasting Change

As Pulling notes, the new facility is a community effort, stemming from the collaboration of various supporters including local businesses, foundations, and tax credit investors. Notable supporters like the Broe Family have highlighted the importance of such initiatives, saying, “Their mission to fight hunger has never been more important. We are proud to help make this new availability a reality.”

In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, the opening of this new center allows Food Bank of the Rockies to address social disparities in food access. One in eight individuals— and one in seven children— in Colorado currently grapple with food insecurity, a stark contrast that demands immediate and ongoing action.

Looking Forward

The newly established distribution center at 20600 E. 38th Ave. in Aurora marks a pivotal moment in addressing hunger in the region. Over its nearly five-decade existence, Food Bank of the Rockies has transformed into the largest hunger-relief organization in the area, consistently adapting to meet the changing needs of the community.

With this new facility, they are not only ready to tackle current challenges but are also equipped to innovate strategies that will aid in the long-term elimination of hunger. As Pulling states, “In our new home, we are rolling up our sleeves and scaling our efforts to ensure every person in our community thrives.”

For more information on the Food Bank of the Rockies and their initiatives, visit their official website.