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

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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 sfinesilver@communityfoodshare.org 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

nstubblebine@communityfoodshare.org

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 talktoearthstable@gmail.com.

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 sfinesilver@communityfoodshare.org 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.