Loretta

Loretta used to throw away food at meals.

"Never did I believe that I'd be in this situation. I have college background and worked for the city for over 30 years. Retirement wasn't supposed to bring this with it."

Her husband is on social security due to osteoporosis and most of their money has to go toward medical bills. Food stamps might help but their income level is $40 too high to qualify.

"If it weren't for the Ellen Torres Bienvenidos Food Bank, we'd go hungry. We'd eat beans and tortillas. I swallow my pride and take the bus at 7:00am to get here early enough to get milk. We just thank God that we have access to food assistance and that we can meet others who need help."

Brandy

Brandy is being raised by a single mom. Daycare is too expensive, so her mom had to quit her job. They sold their car due to the cost of fuel and maintenance, which means they walk where they need to go. Luckily a local food pantry is close to home. Otherwise they wouldn't have enough food to get them through the week.

Commemorating 30 Years with the FBR Family

When Food Bank of the Rockies was founded 30 years ago, the thought of distributing over 22 million pounds of food over the course of one year would have been mind boggling. In 1978, FBR was known as the Colorado Food Clearing House and operated from a 900-square-foot schoolroom in northwest Denver. Food was collected from nearby Safeway stores and was distributed to one agency, Sisters of the Poor.

Today, FBR has extended its services to over 700 partner agencies partners in Northern Colorado, including Metro Denver and the state of Wyoming. FBR operates out of a 106,000 square foot facility and distributed more than 22.2 million pounds of food to over 312,000 people last year. In its first 29 years, FBR has provided nearly 261 million pounds of food to our member agencies, which translates to more than 200 million meals for people in need.

Pallets of food from the warehouse were creatively used as table tops for the delicious assortment of appetizers.

On Tuesday, June 3, FBR hosted a 30th Anniversary Open House to recognize all those who play a pivotal role in our day to day operations. Over 200 friends of FBR attended the event, where delicious food was served, Matt Buckstein, former American Idol, performed live and a newly created FBR video was highlighted. FoX 31's Shaul Turner and Chris Tanaka were generous enough to emcee the program.

Matt Buckstein, member of local band, The Hired Guns, donates his talent and entertains the crowd. Visit http://www.mattbuckstein.com/!

Sisters from Little Sisters of the Poor, FBR's first partner agency, take part in the festivities.

We don't "celebrate" 30 years of fighting hunger; however, we do celebrate the dedication of the thousands of people who have become members of the Food Bank of the Rockies' family. Without volunteers donating their precious time to pack boxes, caring individuals who organize food drives or raise funds on our behalf and those who take an interest in our mission and help advocate for us, we could not exist. Thank you for all you do! Visit http://www.foodbankrockies.org/ for a list of 30 ways that you can fight hunger and feed hope in your community.

Shaul Turner and Chris Tanaka are dedicated toward the mission of FBR. Special thanks for all they do to fight hunger!

FBR Board members and CEO, Kevin Seggelke attend the event to mingle with guests.

Mike

When you see a long line of people, you assume that there's something worthwhile at the other end. Something worth waiting for. At Holy Ghost Church downtown Denver, that something is a PB&J sandwich and a bag of cookies. And for many folks, that sandwich is definitely worth waiting for. The line-up starts at 9:30am and by the time lunch is served at 10:00, a couple hundred hungry Coloradoans are waiting for a meal they count on for daily survival. Monday through Saturday these folks line up.

Mike is the guy behind the table handing out the meals. He meets everyone's eye and refuses to be called "Sir." Mike has made it his daily mission to feed the hungry and provide them with respect. Not only are meals served, but the program through Holy Ghost Church assists with providing birth certificates, photo Id's and finances for housing. The essentials for a homeless person wanting to get back on his or her feet.

"I learn from these guys. They're real people with stories to tell and they've become friends of mine. The Bible tells me to "feed the hungry and clothe the naked." So that's what he does.