Hello Community Food Bank friends,

Summer is HERE and things are heating up at the Community Food Bank!! We are hitting the ground running to make sure we provide nutritious food access to our ALL our Grand Valley neighbors in need.

This newsletter is chock full of information and ways to get involved with us this summer as we work to tackle the summer hunger spike. Bountiful local produce is picking up steam both on our pantry shelves and rolling out into the community through our home delivery and Harvest Mobile Market programs to address food deserts and fill hunger gaps across Mesa County. Be sure to click the above link or read on to find the beautiful article written by local freelance writer Sharon Sullivan explaining in detail about this impactful pilot program!! We are so grateful for the grant funding from the USDA we have received to continue to try out some innovative new solutions to food access across the Grand Valley.

Mark your calendars!! We invite everyone to join us next week during either our new Community Coffee Connection or Hunger Awareness Happy Hour events we're kicking off next week. Check out all our upcoming events here!

We know the summer months can take on a life of their own with busy days, fun in the sun, and stacked calendars. We ask you make some space to help us fight hunger in our community this summer -- whether that is learning more about the issues, attending an event, signing up to volunteer, or making a donation in support of our work.

It takes a valley to nourish our neighbors, and we are in this together as a community!!

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

As summer arrives, so does a heightened need to support our community against hunger insecurity. With children out of school, many families face increased challenges in providing regular meals.

This season, let's come together to make a difference. Consider donating to our summer hunger relief efforts, ensuring that every family in Mesa County has access to nourishing meals. Your support matters now more than ever. Let's combat summer hunger together!

Check out our website for volunteer and donation opportunities!

Mark your calendars for our Hunger Awareness Happy Hour on June 21st from 4:30-6:00 PM at the Historic Lowell Building at 310 N 7th Street. Gather with friends and neighbors over brews from Gemini Beer Company to learn more about hunger in our community and how you can make a difference.

First 24 attendees who check in with us will get their second beer FREE thanks to support from REgeneration Development!!

Exciting news! We're thrilled to announce our partnership with Grand Valley Micro Farms to bring fresh, nutritious microgreens to the tables of families in need through our food bank. These vibrant greens are not only packed with flavor but also rich in essential nutrients, providing a healthy addition to meals for our community.

Thanks to funding from the USDA Local Food Purchasing Assistance grant, we can offer even more variety and freshness to those we serve. Together, we're cultivating a healthier, happier community, one micro green at a time!

Get ready to indulge in an evening of culinary delights at our second annual Harvest Celebration dinner! Join us for an unforgettable experience featuring locally sourced ingredients expertly prepared by talented chefs from Grand Junction on Friday, September 27th from 5:00 - 8:30pm at Cross Orchards Historic Site this year.

As we gather to celebrate the bountiful harvest of our community, we'll also be raising vital funds to support our mission of ending hunger insecurity. Don't miss this opportunity to savor exquisite flavors, mingle with fellow supporters, and contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference. Save the date and join us for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy at the Harvest Celebration dinner!

Tickets will be available for purchase soon.

Contact us today if you are interested in sponsoring the dinner this year: info@foodbankgj.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE

FRESH FOOD CONNECT PROGRAM!!



Local News Spot

Sentinel Article

Are you passionate about making a difference in our community? Join our Fundraising Committee and be a driving force in our mission to end hunger in Mesa County!

As a committee member, you'll have the opportunity to organize exciting fundraising events, engage with donors, and develop innovative strategies to support our cause.

Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Join us in making a meaningful impact – become a part of our Fundraising Committee today!

Sign up here!

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest board members, Sue DeSantis and Amy Miller!

Sue, hailing from PNCI Construction, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. With her background, we anticipate her contributions will be instrumental in guiding our organization towards its goals.

Amy Miller, who sits on the Fruita City Council, joins us with a deep understanding of community dynamics and governance. We're thrilled to have both Sue and Amy on board, and we look forward to their invaluable contributions as we continue to strive towards our mission.

We also have two new team members:

Kaydee Lucero joins us as our Development Coordinator, bringing her expertise in fundraising and community engagement to further our mission.

Karen Pieper Hildebrand joins us as our part-time Donor Relations Specialist, with a passion for fostering meaningful connections and support for our cause.

We're thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the valuable contributions they will make to our team.

Join the Chef Ann Foundation and Colorado Public Schools in revolutionizing school meals! They are launching the Healthy School Food Pathway Apprenticeship, offering education, training, and paid experience in school kitchens. The program is specifically seeking SNAP participants.

Help shape the program's future by joining a virtual focus group hosted by CU Boulder graduate students. Share your insights on July 3, 2024, at 9:00 AM, and receive a $25 digital gift card for your valuable input.

Contact Devon Hanna at devon.hanna@colorado.edu for more details. Don't miss this chance to make a difference in school food!

Check to see if you qualify for the new Summer EBT SNAP program!!