Making Hunger-Free a Possibility | |
A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | |
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Hello Community Food Bank friends,
Happy Summer!! Hope you all are enjoying all the summer festivities and gearing up for a fun Fourth of July holiday. We are busy as ever working tirelessly to nourish our community, especially during the difficult summer months where additional household needs and costs start rising with the temperatures.
The honest truth is that we simply can't meet our mission without the generosity and involvement of our community. From donating, to volunteering, to providing input during one of our surveys -- every piece is an important part of the puzzle to solve food insecurity in our backyard.
We have lots to share this month, so be sure to scroll through and read all about the fantastic and impactful work we are creating together. Every day and every month, I love this job and our organization more and more. I am so proud of our community -- from the new Clifton Community Campus to our new WIC Community Champions -- we are truly in this work together.
Thank you for being a part of the solution and I hope to see you soon!!
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Director Alisha with Food Bank toddler Olivia during a visit to the Denver zoo! | |
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To our lovely volunteers, donors, and partners, we truly would not be able to meet our mission without each and every one of you.
On behalf of our full CFB team and everyone we serve -- thank you.
Alisha Wenger
Executive Director
alisha@foodbankgj.org
(970) 640 - 0336 ext 3
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NO CHILD SHOULD GO HUNGRY | |
JOIN OUR SUMMER GIVING CAMPAIGN | |
As summer arrives, so does the challenge of hunger for many families. During this time, when school meals are not available, the cost of groceries spikes. Groceries cost an average of $500 per month according to Forbes. For families already struggling, this can mean the difference between staying their homes, covering childcare costs, or paying critical bills.
You can make a significant impact by joining our monthly Harvest Giving Club. Even a small contribution, like $5 a month provides 20 nutritious MEALS, and goes a long way towards ensuring families have access to essential groceries. For an even greater impact, $52 a month provides 2,500 annual meals to our neighbors in need.
Currently, we have 103 dedicated members, but we are launching a campaign to reach our goal of 300 members to cover our average monthly food costs at the pantry.
Your donation to the Harvest Giving Club directly helps put nutritious food on tables, providing stability and hope during uncertain times. Together, we can alleviate summer hunger and ensure that every family in our community has the nourishment they need to thrive. Join us today in making a difference that truly matters.
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Did you know that 39% of the households we serve have children in the home? Summer is heating up and the issue of food insecurity for children is continuing to intensify. In District 51 alone, more than 10,000 children experience food insecurity. With schools out for summer, too many kiddos face uncertainty about their next meal.
The Community Food Bank does all we can to meet this need, but we cannot do it alone. We offer a no-qualifications choice pantry, providing immediate relief to families and individuals in need.
Additionally, families can get help with applications for Summer EBT or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to supplement grocery budgets or. Kids can also enjoy meals through the D51 Lunch Lizard Program and through the Kids Aid Backpack Program, both ensure children have food when school meals are not available.
This summer, let's rally together to support our community's children. You can help TODAY by joining our Harvest Giving Club or donating to our pantry.
Together, we can ensure every child has access to nutritious meals and the opportunity to thrive.
Check out our website for volunteer and donation opportunities!
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Fruit Kabobs: Skewer pieces of fruit like strawberries, grapes, and melon for a colorful and healthy snack.
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Peanut Butter Banana Bites: Spread peanut butter on banana slices and sandwich them together for a protein-packed snack.
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Cheese and Crackers: Pair whole-grain crackers with cheese slices or cubes for a simple and filling snack.
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Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Serve carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks with hummus for a crunchy and nutritious option.
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Popcorn*: Air-pop popcorn and season it with a sprinkle of salt or nutritional yeast for a light and crunchy snack. *Only for kiddos 3+yrs old!
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Smoothies: Blend together yogurt, frozen fruits, and a splash of milk or juice for a refreshing and nutritious drinkable snack.
Visit: https://kidseatincolor.com/
for more kiddo nutrition tips & resources!!
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CFB Resource Bar Schedule:
Local resources will be on-site from 12:30 - 3:30pm at the food pantry:
- 7/16 & 7/29 RMHP Medicare/Medicaid
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7/22, 7/23, 7/25 - WIC Survey 12:30 - 5:30pm
Resource WIN: Kirsten A. was at the resource bar 1x/week for 2 months this tax refund season providing information about filing their taxes and the TABOR refund.
During that time, she reached over 150 individuals at CFB over that time!!!
Thank you to the Community Resource Center for making this program possible.
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Nutrition Exploration Activities:
Pantry shopping is only half of the fun! Join friends from Cooking Matters to taste test some great recipes that can be made with staple ingredients found at CFB.
July tastings dates:
- July 1 (microgreens)
- July 2
- July 8
- July 11 (microgreens)
- July 16 (microgreens)
- July 18
- July 25 (microgreens)
- July 29 (microgreens)
- July 30
Grab a bite and see how tasty and easy nutritious meals can be!
We greatly appreciate the partnerships with Hilltop Family Resource Center, Cooking Matters, and Grand Valley Micro Farms for helping make this fun element of our programming possible!!
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HARVEST MOBILE MARKET PILOT
Fresh Local Food for ALL
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The Harvest Mobile Market is making waves with its innovative approach to tackling food insecurity. Thanks to generous grants, this mobile trailer is on a mission to deliver fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers to neighborhoods across our area.
Recently highlighted in local publications like The Colorado Trust, The GJ Sentinel, and the Colorado Sun -- the Harvest Mobile Market is not just a mobile grocery store but a beacon of hope for families facing food access challenges. By bringing farm-fresh fruits and vegetables directly to communities, the market ensures that everyone has access to nutritious options.
Whether it's crisp tomatoes from nearby orchards or vibrant greens harvested just miles away, the Harvest Mobile Market is committed to promoting health and wellness through locally sourced goodness. Stay tuned as the Market continues to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that every plate in our community is filled with the bounty of our local harvests.
Many thanks to the USDA, Colorado Department of Human Services, and the Food Research & Action Center for making this work possible.
Read the AMAZING story
from local
writer Sharon Sullivan HERE!!
Check out the July Harvest Market Schedule HERE
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We had so much fun at our first Community Coffee Connection - join us for the next one on July 17th at the Community Food Bank. | |
Market on Main - Come see us in action!
We will have an info booth set up at the Market on Main event downtown on July 18, August 1, and September 12
The Downtown GJ Market on Main is also a Double UP Food Bucks and WIC FMNP site - stop by the market info booth or the Mesa County Hunger Alliance booth to learn more when you visit the market this season!
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Thank you to Aaron and the team at Hot Tomato for continuing to support the Community Food Bank and nutritious food access in Mesa County through their 1% giving partnership - they donated nearly $1,500 to support our work during the February 1% month and they continue to show up for us!!
The Social Cranks Supper Club will be an evening full of yummy food and community connections. All proceeds support YOUR Community Food Bank and we hope to see you there if you can make it!!
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Friday September 27, 2024
Cross Orchards Historic Site
5:00-8:30 PM.
Renowned local chefs Wayne Smith and Kaye Davis are graciously donating their time and expertise to curate a menu bursting with the freshest ingredients sourced right from our region. Picture vibrant appetizers, a savory main course, and decadent desserts—all expertly paired with exceptional wines from nearby vineyards.
As you dine under the stars at the charming Cross Orchards Historical Site, you'll not only indulge in a feast for the palate but also support our organization’s mission to create more equitable food systems and boost the overall wellness of our community.
Tickets will be available soon, so secure your seat at this unforgettable event, where every dish tells a story of local pride and culinary artistry!
Sponsorship spots are available NOW
Check out the levels and join us at the table!
You can also contact us today if you are interested in sponsoring the dinner this year: info@foodbankgj.org
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Executive Director Alisha Wenger, Outreach & Impact Specialist Jesus Loera, and Programs & Operations Director Chelsea Craine recently took their passion for combating hunger to Washington D.C. Supported entirely by a generous grant, they attended the prestigious National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference. This pivotal trip provided them with invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and advocate for crucial policies that impact our community.
During their time in the nation's capital, they engaged in insightful sessions and workshops, gaining deeper insights into effective anti-hunger strategies and policies. They also had the privilege to meet with policymakers, sharing firsthand accounts of our community's challenges and advocating for solutions that ensure every individual has access to nutritious food.
This initiative wasn't just about attending sessions; it was about amplifying our community's voice on a national stage. Their presence at the conference amplifies the Community Food Bank's commitment to proactive advocacy and continuous improvement in the fight against hunger. They brought home with them renewed knowledge, strengthened connections, and a steadfast determination to drive positive change.
Thank you to FRAC, USDA, and CO Health Foundation for making this learning experience possible!
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WIC CHAMPIONS OFFER FIRSTHAND KNOWLEDGE | |
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Introducing our WIC Champions, true experts dedicated to supporting our community with invaluable knowledge and firsthand experience of the WIC program. These passionate individuals, current or recent participants themselves, have been commissioned through our FRAC WIC CIAO grant to empower and guide others through their WIC journey.
Whether you're applying for the first time, reapplying after a hiatus, or currently benefiting from WIC, our Community Champions are here for you. They're eager to share their insights, navigate any questions you may have, and ensure you make the most of the program's offerings. In exchange for their expertise and time, they receive a half or full farm share from our friends at Green Junction Farmstead!! It's a win-win-win for our community.
Count on our Champions to be your trusted allies, helping to bridge connections and enhance understanding of WIC's benefits. Their commitment ensures that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need for a healthier future.
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DISCOVER DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS | |
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Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a fantastic initiative empowering SNAP recipients all across Colorado. Here’s how it works: when you visit a participating location and purchase SNAP-eligible food items, DUFB matches your purchase dollar-for-dollar, up to $20 per day!
This means your food budget goes further, allowing you to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce at Farmers Markets in Fruita and Grand Junction, as well as at the Farmstead in Grand Junction. Whether you’re looking for fruits, vegetables, or other nutritious options, DUFB ensures that healthy choices are accessible and affordable.
Join us in supporting our community’s health and wellness through Double Up Food Bucks. It’s more than just a program—it’s a pathway to healthier eating and stronger communities.
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Strengthening Community Support
Recently, several of our staff members participated in the Mental Health First Aid Training conducted by Suicide Prevention Mesa County. This training initiative was a collaborative effort spearheaded by our Program Operations Director Chelsea, and funded by the Western Colorado Community Foundation alongside fellow members of the Mesa County Hunger Alliance—a coalition dedicated to collaborative hunger relief in our valley.
The primary objective of this training was to empower our team with the skills and knowledge to effectively recognize when someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and intervene appropriately. Throughout the training, our team engaged deeply with understanding common mental illnesses, learning healthy response strategies, and mastering techniques for de-escalation. This comprehensive approach ensures that we are not only equipped to respond with empathy and confidence but also to prioritize safety and facilitate access to the appropriate care and resources.
Moving forward, we are dedicated to integrating these learnings into our daily operations, ensuring that mental health remains a priority in everything we do. Together with our partners in the Hunger Alliance and Suicide Prevention Mesa County, we are proud to contribute to a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and connected.
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Join the Harvest Giving Club!
It's because of donors like YOU that we are able to nourish our neighbors. Join the Harvest Giving Club today to help us feed our neighbors in need!
Every dollar makes a BIG difference!
Join the club now!
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