Dear Hunger Relief Partners,

First and foremost, we hope each of you had a safe and joyous holiday season. We additionally hope you had the opportunity for some much-needed rest to physically and mentally reset for the new year. Our work is not done.
As we prepare for the potential challenges we may encounter in 2021, Food Bank of the Rockies wishes to share a few goals our team has set to further develop our collaborative efforts in addressing the increased need.

Lessons learned:

• Our partner agencies are innovative and tireless.
• Collaborative efforts enabled us to serve up to 300% more clients in need.
• Open, honest, and frequent communication is key.
• Community members require food items meeting their dietary preferences to ensure dignity of choice.
• Clients are seeking and requesting nutritional food items such as produce, protein, and dairy.
• Partners need timely product delivery.

• Continue to listen to our partners, learn from them, and support their needs.
• Launch a fresh produce program providing variety and direct delivery to replace programs like CFAP.
• Enhance the centralized Help Desk for faster responses and support for partners.
• Expand the culturally-responsive food program.
• Host quarterly open forum town hall meetings.
• Increase direct delivery and hub centers for distribution.
• Advocate on behalf of our partners and clients.

As we venture into 2021, Food Bank of the Rockies stands committed to our hunger-relief partners. We have shown we are capable of pivoting daily to meet each new challenge and obstacle together. And together, we will continue to move forward in support of our communities.

Happy New Year!

Cindy Mitchell
Vice President of Programs

Food Bank of the Rockies Closures and Important Dates

Happy New Year! There will be no Food Bank of the Rockies closures for the months of January or February.

Please be aware of these important dates in February:

• February 13, 9 am - 12 pm - open for partner pick ups
• February 20, 9 am - 12 pm - free grocery box for older adults’ distribution

Partner Agreement Renewal: Action Required

Every two (2) years, we review and update our partner agreement. This agreement outlines partners’ responsibilities regarding safe handling of food product and equitable distribution of food to served communities. Renew the agreement to maintain partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies every two (2) years by reviewing, signing, and submitting the updated agreement. 

Although there were no significant changes to the agreement, please review it carefully.

Please find a fillable version of the 2021 Partner Agreement here.

Once you have reviewed the agreement, please ensure it has been signed by at least two different people (Board of Directors/Chairperson, Organization Director and/or Food Program Director or equivalent representatives) within your program. Please also make a copy for your files and submit a signed copy to Food Bank of the Rockies.

Return your signed agreement by February 28th.

You may return your agreement in person, by mail, or via email.

By email: partnersupport@foodbankrockies.org

By mail or in person:

Food Bank of the Rockies Partner Support
10700 E. 45th Avenue, Denver CO 80239

We thank you for your continued partnership in these unprecedented times. We could not do it without you.

Get Help Page: Action May Be Required

The Get Help page on the Food Bank of the Rockies’ website is designed to be a comprehensive list of pantries and meal programs clients can use to identify resources in their neighborhood. Thousands of clients rely on www.foodbankrockies.org/find-food/ for locations, pick up times, and eligibility requirements; however, this information is only as accurate as the information we receive from partners. Please use the link above to look up your program and verify your listing is correct.

If you would like to change your listing, or do not see your program listed, please fill this form and email it back to either Zia at zoneill@foodbankrockies.org or  Mackenzie at mderrick@foodbankrockies.org, and we will ensure that your page is updated.

COVID-19 Updates

Vaccine

Food bank and food pantry workers are included in Phase 1B of the Colorado vaccination priority list and are considered essential. The estimated timeline for vaccine availability for class 1B is March. How food banks and pantries certify workers’ eligibility, and how frequent volunteers can also qualify, has not been determined. Food Bank of the Rockies is advocating on behalf of our Hunger Relief Partners and your teams and will keep you apprised.

For additional information, please visit: covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/vaccine-for-coloradans

For county-specific vaccination information in Colorado, please visit: covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/where-can-i-get-vaccinated

Health Screenings at Distribution Centers

Effective immediately, Food Bank of the Rockies will no longer have entrances staffed for temperature checks. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, partners, and visitors is still of utmost concern, and so we ask all visitors to conduct self-administered health checks prior to visiting our facilities. *Do not visit Food Bank of the Rockies if you or anyone in your household is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been exposed in the past ten days.*

Additionally, please follow the guidelines below at the facility:

• Upon arrival, please use the digital temperature check station located in the foyer or agency entrance before entering the building.
• Please wear a face mask or covering properly covering the nose and mouth at all times during your visit.
• Face masks must be worn inside and outside when on Food Bank of the Rockies’ property.
• Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet apart from others.
• Avoid any physical contact with people, including handshakes.
• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Any gatherings in one room must not exceed five (5) people; social distancing must be maintained.

For additional information, please refer to the attached flyer. Thank you for ensuring our community survives and thrives during these challenging times. We could not equitably and effectively distribute food without your support.

You can access our COVID-19 guidelines here.

New Look, Same Vision

In February, Food Bank of the Rockies will unveil a new logo, mission statement, values, and a more streamlined website, as well as some design updates across our fleet and distribution centers. We started this process early in 2019 and are excited to reveal our new look and updated mission statement which more accurately reflect the organization we strive to be.

Our steadfast commitment to you remains unchanged. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with you to foster a community where food security is a reality and all thrive. We look forward to sharing more in the near future.

As outlined in the Partner Agreement, partners are required to prominently post a Food Bank of the Rockies provided poster about the partnership (new posters will be available in the spring). In addition, as per the agreement, partners need to include the following items on their websites to highlight the partnership: Partner of Food Bank of the Rockies alongside our logo with a link to our website. Our new logo and new brand guide will be available after the launch, and we will share it via this newsletter.

SNAP Update

Research shows that only 60% of Coloradans eligible for SNAP participate in the food stamp program. With the increase in food insecurity due to the pandemic, SNAP Outreach Coordinators have been working tirelessly to locate eligible Coloradans who are not currently receiving available benefits to help put food on the table for themselves and their families. While face-to-face interactions are no longer possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, our outreach has switched to a contactless approach.

We have been able to continue our SNAP assistance by taking applications over the phone. This simple process usually takes 15-20 minutes and can be completed anywhere. For a telephonic application, applicants need to have income information, housing costs, and their social security number ready before calling. Please share 303.375.5851 with anyone who may be in need.

Russell Nylen, SNAP Outreach Representative
Direct: 303.375.5851
Email: rnylen@foodbankrockies.org

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Fresh Produce Program and Renewal of Farmers to Families Program (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP)

Food Bank of the Rockies is excited to announce a new pilot program for expanding our sourcing and distribution of fresh produce. Launched on January 6, this new program focuses on increasing our capacity for produce deliveries to metro Denver and rural agencies. We anticipate growing our distribution capacity of produce to four (4) times our historical volume.

In other news, last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a fifth round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) program, which is expected to run through April 2021. While Food Bank of the Rockies plans to continue our participation, information regarding quantities, box contents, vendors, and start date is not yet available. As we learn more, we will communicate with our partner agencies to ensure a smooth return to the program. Our expanded produce program is intended to bridge the gap, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh product.

This new produce delivery pilot program will continue until the renewal of CFAP, at which point we will take some time to review the program, make any necessary adjustments, and work to add a consistent supply of fluid milk. Our ultimate goal is to be able to provide at least 50% of the CFAP volume of produce and fluid milk to our partner agencies when CFAP has ended.

We are excited to partner with you on these two programs and continue to increase our variety and distribution capacity of fresh produce.