It feels almost impossible to do during this time of year, but if you can, take a moment to breathe in — breathe out — and reflect, however briefly, on what 2022 meant for you. Was it marked with memories of joy? Hardship? Abundance? Challenge?
More than likely, all of those things were true at some point throughout the year. The same goes for our experience at Food Bank of the Rockies in 2022. Numerous factors — the highest inflation in 40-plus years, supply chain disruptions, a significant drop in large-scale donations — caused a huge uptick in the number of people needing our services and an equally notable increase in the amount of money we put toward purchasing food to meet the needs of each of those individuals. In November, we spent more than $2.2 million to purchase food — more than we used to spend in six months’ time before the pandemic.
Additionally, we expanded our signature programs like the Culturally Responsive Food Initiative and FRESH, worked to reach more people in more places with Mobile Pantries, and built and opened the new Western Slope Etkin Family Distribution Center in Grand Junction to better serve our partners and neighbors across that region.
Through it all, we were buoyed by you, our steadfast and generous donors. As of this writing, thanks to your gifts of money and time, we have distributed more than 68 million pounds of food in 2022, equal to nearly 55 million meals. Thank you so much for your support this past year. We hope you’ll stick with us in 2023 to help us serve even more of our neighbors experiencing hunger. Happy holidays from all of us at Food Bank of the Rockies!