Information about
Food Bank for Larimer County
VISION:
A hunger free Larimer County
MISSION STATEMENT:
Provide food to all in need through community partnerships and hunger relief programs.
Brief history of organization:
The Food Bank for Larimer County evolved from the findings of a survey conducted by a VISTA volunteer and the initiative of community groups in 1983. Collectively, they determined that there was a need for a central clearing house for donated food in Larimer County, the seventh most populated county in Colorado. Starting out in shared space in a local church, collection and distribution of food expanded every year until it was necessary to move into the current 32,000 square foot warehouse in 1987. What started as a small operation has grown to distribute more than 7.8 million pounds of food to our most vulnerable neighbors. Over the past 26 years, the Food Bank has acquired freezer/cooler space (plans are being drawn to increase the cooler capacity to hold up to 50% more fresh food items in the next few months) and built up a fleet of eight vehicles.
How many total clients are served annually: (2010 Figures)
Through Food Share, our direct service food pantry: 29,198 unduplicated individuals
Through Kids Cafe: 72,000+ meals served
Through Food Link: actual number of clients is unknown, but 80 other non-profits receive food from us.
How are Empty Stocking funds expended to
benefit your clients:
The money received from NCESF is used to acquire donated food for all three programs that we operate. This year we anticipate distributing nearly 8 million pounds of food in Larimer County. For $1 we can provide four meals, so NCESF has allowed us to provide more than 210,000 meals worth of food to those in need. For example, the $52,000 raised through NCESF since 2007 could have provided:
What is the true, lasting impact of the Empty
Stocking Fund on your organization/clients:
Our ability to reach the greatest number of at-risk individuals is only strengthened through our many community partnerships. The media awareness is one of the key benefits the Food Bank receives from the NCESF – it gives donors the opportunity to see what the face of hunger looks like and breaks the myth of “that could never be me.” In addition, the media coverage provides intrinsic value to our army of volunteers – showing them that their time is really making a difference in others’ lives. In addition, the funds raised go directly to help the Food Bank fulfill its core mission of bringing food to low-income people in Larimer County in need of hunger relief.