for thought...her community, she quickly became a dedicated, weekly volunteer. at lunchtime on...
TRANSCRIPT
SUMMER 2017
SUMMER 2017
for thought
THE STORIES BEHIND HUNGER WILL SURPRISE YOU When I pulled up to Betty’s home in Lafayette, she was standing on her front porch welcoming me. I carried the groceries to her kitchen table — bags of
apples and carrots, a loaf of bread, and a box filled
with canned foods.
On my way out, I asked if the food was helpful
to her, and before I knew it, 45 minutes had
passed. I sat in her living room, listening
to her captivating stories of the life events
that led her to need help.
Betty grew up in Kansas, where she met
and married her husband. Sadly, at age
35, he passed away due to terminal stomach
cancer. Betty raised their four children, working
full-time to put them through college. In 1976, she
moved to Colorado where she held several jobs
that she greatly enjoyed, including cooking in the
cafeteria of Fairview High School. At age 65, she
fell and broke both wrists, and the injuries forced
her into early, unplanned retirement. Reflecting on
the financial strain of this, Betty shared, “I never
recouped what I lost at that time.”
She now receives free groceries from Community
Food Share, and because Betty has trouble with her
hips and arthritic pain, we deliver her food. “I love
fruits and vegetables, and I used to spend most of
my money on them.” With fresh produce provided by
the food bank, she is able to use the money to pay
other bills.
I asked if she still shops at the grocery store, and she
told me she receives $16 a month in food stamps.
Having saved her allowance last month, she was
looking forward to using the $32 to buy a roast. “I
cut it into pieces to make it last. I cook one piece —
that usually gives me two or three meals — and
I freeze the rest.”
A few days later, as I sat down to create my grocery
shopping list, I thought about how, unlike Betty, I
seldom think twice about the items
I add: shrimp for hosting our
friends, beef for tacos, and
my husband’s favorite
coconut milk.
Many of us use recipes,
habitual favorites, and
even impulse to
decide what we buy
at the grocery store.
But people like Betty
save two months of food stamps to buy meat.
In Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 1 in 8 people
are struggling to put food on the table — that’s 13%
of the population. There are seniors like Betty, and
also working parents, adults with disabilities, and
children.
Thankfully, with support from people like you,
Community Food Share is here to bring food to
those who need it — more than 9.1 million meals
a year. And if you or someone you know is in
need of food like Betty was, we can help. Visit
communityfoodshare.org/get-help or call
(303) 652-3663.
— Julia McGee, Director of Communications
Betty at her kitchen table with groceries she received from Community Food Share.
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Hello! a note from theExecutive Director
Summer is a busy season at Community Food Share — in addition to our regular schedule of moving food, we
are on the road with summer mobile pantries in Boulder, Broomfield, Lafayette, and Longmont. Through these
events alone, we anticipate distributing more than 140,000 meals to 700 families, filling the summer food
gap experienced by many children who rely on the breakfast and lunch they normally receive at school. Our
summer mobile pantries are hosted in partnership with EFAA, Broomfield FISH, and Sister Carmen Community
Center. Independently, our organizations do great work. Collectively, we do even better.
Food insecurity exists at high levels in our community, but we have made progress. According to Map the
Meal Gap 2017 — Feeding America’s annual research study on food insecurity at the county level — there are
fewer people experiencing food insecurity in Boulder and Broomfield Counties than there were last year. By
providing food through partner agencies and directly to those in need, we have helped reduce the number of
food-insecure individuals by 800 people! We will continue to work hard so they continue to stay food secure.
There are still 46,290 people who don’t always know where their next meal will come from. Forty-one percent
of food-insecure households are not income-eligible for federal nutrition assistance, so they rely on food
banks and food pantries. That’s where you come in — with your support, we are able to provide enough food
for 25,000 meals every day!
Thank you for your continued
support in this important work,
Sincerely
Michelle Orge
Executive Director
THREE CHEERS FOR FOUR STARS!We were recently awarded our 13th consecutive four star
rating — the highest rating — from Charity Navigator,
America’s premier independent evaluator. This places us in the
top 1% of charities nationwide for sound fiscal management
and commitment to accountability and transparency.
41% of food-insecure people are
unlikely to qualify for most federal nutrition assistance, which means
food banks and food pantries may be their only source of support.
ALL FOOD-INSECURE
INDIVIDUALS
IN BOULDER AND BROOMFIELD COUNTIES
SUMMER 2017 3
Staff and students at the University of Colorado Boulder have launched an effort
to fight food insecurity on campus. Recent survey data has shown that up to
25% of CU students identify as food insecure, yet resources for food assistance
are nonexistent on campus. And while food pantries are available in the Boulder
community, transportation can be challenging for students. Additionally, most
students are not eligible to receive food stamps, a federal food assistance
program, because recipients are required to work at least 20 hours a week, which
can be a huge hurdle for full-time students.
A campus and community committee was formed to address the issue, and
Community Food Share is an active member. To address the immediate need,
we have sent food to offices around campus for distribution to students. As part
of the committee’s investigative strategies to determine whether an on-campus
pantry is needed, we piloted a “pop-up” mobile pantry on campus in late April, in
collaboration with Harvest of Hope. It allowed the committee to test the possible
impact while collecting additional input from students. The committee continues
to measure the campus’s needs, and Community Food Share is proud to
contribute to the inception of sustainable solutions.
FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY ON CU’S CAMPUS
By Madison Martin, Senior at University of Colorado Boulder and
Intern at Community Food Share
The formation of food pantries on college campuses is rising nationwide — among members of the Pac-12, CU is the only school that does not offer some sort of resource for students who identify as food insecure.
MOBILE PANTRY DESTINATIONS
See Where Our Mobile Pantry Truck Travels in Boulder and Broomfield Counties!
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A sincere thank you to the competing companies for the time, effort, energy, humor, and commitment that was contributed on behalf of Community Food Share and Corporate Challenge!
What do chili cook-offs, playtime with puppies and kittens, and dunk tanks have
in common? These activities and many more, were in full swing from
May 8–24, as corporations and their employees joined the fight against hunger
in Boulder and Broomfield Counties.
As part of Community Food Share’s 22nd Annual Compete to Beat Hunger
Corporate Challenge, leadership teams and employees planned
and participated in a variety of activities on behalf of
Community Food Share, including: “All Gain, No Pain” .5K
races, corn hole, poker, kickball, giant Jenga tournaments,
prize drawings, executive challenges, canned food
collecting and sculpture building competitions.
Thirty-six companies and a total of more than 10,000 employees helped to
achieve our $450,000 goal and raised $522,000 and collected 87,500 pounds
of food! This will provide over 1.6 million meals to our hungry neighbors.
Employees and leaders came together in many ways to support the
campaign — from joining and leading teams, to organizing events and collecting
money, to loading food onto trucks and then unloading and
sorting it at Community Food Share. Many corporations
matched a percentage of their employees’ donations, which
provided a great incentive for participation at all levels.
THE TOP 5 WINNERS IN EACH CATEGORY
COMPETE TO BEAT HUNGER Corporate Challenge 2017
Além International Management
Avista HospitalBall Corporation & Ball
AerospaceBerkshire Hathaway
HomeServicesBSW Wealth Partners CableLabsCardinal PeakClovis OncologyCorden Pharma ColoradoCRB Consulting EngineersDanoneWave
EmersonEmerson - RDPF BoulderFenix Outdoor ImportsGoogleInDevR & 2B TechnologiesKBI BiopharmaKey Equipment FinanceLevel 3 CommunicationsLogRhythmLund Brown EnterprisesMcKessonMedtronicMicron Technology
MoconMWH Constructs, Inc. & MWH,
now part of StantecNamasté Solar ElectricPlexusSafe SystemsSAPServpro of Greater BoulderSierra Nevada CorporationSparkFun ElectronicsTestPlantThe Hain Celestial Group Trimble
36 COMPANIES
10,000+ EMPLOYEES
$522,000 RAISED
+
87,500 POUNDS OF FOOD
EQUALS
MORE THAN
1.6 Million MEALS TOTAL POINTS
1 DanoneWave 2 Ball Corporation &
Ball Aerospace 3 Google 4 Level 3 Communications 5 Cardinal Peak
POINTS PER EMPLOYEE 1 DanoneWave 2 Cardinal Peak 3 Google 4 InDevR Inc., & 2B
Technologies 5 BSW Wealth Partners
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SUMMER 2017 5
co
rpo
rate
CO
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Our Corporate Partnership Program offers ways to get involved in the fight against hunger. The benefits include corporate recognition and employee engagement.
VolunteerThis is a way to build teamwork! Consider incorporating volunteer shifts as part of new-hire orientation.
EngageEnergize employees by coordinating a food and fund drive. They’ll be proud to work for a company supporting vital community work. Consider a corporate match, too!
LearnSchedule an education session. We’ll provide a speaker and discuss ways to be involved.
DonateUnderwrite a Community Food Share program, help cover procurement costs, or make a gift to support our mission.
For more information about corporate engagement opportunities, contact Susan Finesilver, Director of Strategic Partnerships, at [email protected] or (303) 652-3663 ext. 209.
To schedule a tour, visit www.communityfoodshare.org/tour.
We LOVE hosting tours
for kids. Student field
trips, clubs, religious
groups, scouts —
you name it!
TOURS FOR KIDS
We’ll teach your kiddos about hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, show them
how our warehouse operates, and help them find ways to get involved, whether it’s
volunteering or hosting a food and fund drive.
Members of Girls Who Give — a service club for elementary-aged girls in Louisville — were “tuber” excited to see the volume of food that moves through our warehouse!
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Mobile Pantry Assistant | Assist with set-up and help clients collect food.
Site Coordinator, Site Helper, Client Check-In, or Delivery Driver with Elder Share | Transport food
from our warehouse to senior distribution sites; assist shoppers; or deliver food directly to homebound seniors.
We are specifically looking for volunteers who can make a six-month commitment for two shifts per month.
Where: Offsite
When: Please contact our volunteer department for
an up-to-date schedule
Shift Length: 2 hours at mobile pantries; 2-5 hours with Elder Share
Sign Up: Visit www.communityfoodshare.org/volunteer
Crew Leader | Assist the Volunteer Department with leading corporate and community group volunteer
activities and sorting projects.
Where: Community Food Share’s warehouse
When: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-Noon or 1:00-4:00 PM
Shift Length: 3 hours
Sign Up: Contact Nina Stubblebine at (303) 652-3663 ext. 202 or
CURRENT VOLUNTEER NEEDS
Volunteer Spotlight
Connie began volunteering with Community Food Share
shortly after she retired. Seeking an opportunity to serve
her community, she quickly became a dedicated, weekly
volunteer. At lunchtime on Mondays, she handles reception
duties in our main lobby: answering the phone and
welcoming guests. On Wednesdays, she assists shoppers
and restocks food in our onsite pantry, Feeding Families.
In between, she’s always willing to step up and fill a last-
minute need! What keeps her coming back? “I really like the
interactions I have with people — the clients that come in
for food as well as the staff and volunteers.”
Connie Jones
SUMMER 2017 7
The Louisville Lions Club has been a monthly volunteer
group since early 2015. “I really get a sense of community
when I’m out there,” shared Bruce Douglas, a club member.
“It gives us a feeling of satisfaction that we’ve accomplished
something, no matter what task we’re doing.” We’re glad
to hear it, considering the variety of jobs we throw at
them — sorting canned and bakery items, bagging produce,
and repacking dry goods. We especially love the fact that,
after their shift, they celebrate their service over a few beers
at Crystal Springs Brewing Company, across the street from
our warehouse!
Louisville Lions Club
NO PLACE TO PLANT?
PARTICIPATE THROUGH EARTH’S TABLE!
We are proud to partner with Earth’s Table, a local group that
has been growing food for those in need since 1999. Volunteers
grow produce on donated land and 100% of the harvest goes
to non-profit organizations, including Community Food Share.
They accept individual volunteers, as well as corporate and
community groups. Find out more by visiting Earth’s Table’s
Facebook page or email [email protected].
GARDEN SHAREHOME GARDENERS: DONATE YOUR
FRESHLY PICKED FRUITS, VEGETABLES,
AND HERBS TO COMMUNITY FOOD SHARE.
NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!
Donations are accepted
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
at our warehouse:
650 S. Taylor Avenue, Louisville
650 S. Taylor Avenue Louisville, CO 80027 (303) 652-3663 www.communityfoodshare.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00 Feeding Families (onsite pantry): Wednesday, 10:00-3:45 | Thursday & Friday, 8:30-1:45 Small Food Donations Accepted in Main Office: Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 Dock Receiving Hours (large food donations): Monday-Friday, 8:00-3:00 (Questions? Call our food procurement manager at (303) 652-3663 ext. 211)
/communityfoodshare
@commfoodshare
/CommunityFoodShareOrganization
Charity Navigator’s Highest RatingCommunity Food Share is proud to have received the highest rating—four stars—by Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent evaluator. We have received this honor for 13 consecutive years, which places us in the top 1% of charities nationwide. The rating reflects Community Food Share’s sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
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Upcoming Events
Our MissionTo be a leader in our community’s effort to end hunger in Boulder and Broomfield Counties
$1 = 3 meals
28TH ANNUAL TEE UP! AGAINST HUNGER GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, September 1 — Join us for a scramble format tournament at Coal Creek Golf Course in Louisville.
Get Involved — Sponsor opportunities are still available. Contact Susan Finesilver, Director of Strategic
Partnerships, at [email protected] or (303) 652-3663 ext. 209.
HUNGER ACTION...A FARM TO FORK DINNER AT WHIMSY FARMSaturday, September 9 — Join us for a delicious farm to fork dinner to support Community Food Share.
Get Involved — Purchase tickets ($120 each) at www.communityfoodshare.org or call (303) 652-3663.
CU FOOD DRIVESaturday, September 23 — The University of Colorado Athletic Department will host a food drive at the
CU Football vs. Washington game.
Get Involved — Bring non-perishables to the main gates, and help the Buffs meet their food drive goal!
HUNGER ACTION MONTH Month of September — The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks unites to urge
individuals to take action in their communities. The goal is to create a movement throughout
September that has a real and lasting impact on our mission to help end hunger in America.
Get Involved — Wear orange on Hunger Action Day, Thursday, September 14.
Visit www.communityfoodshare.org for other ways to participate locally.