For nearly five decades, local food bank Care and Share has been on a mission to help its neighbors facing hunger.
And when Care and Share says “neighbors,” it's referring to 29 counties and a service area encompassing nearly 47,000 square miles. To Care and Share, “neighbors” means all of southern Colorado. With just under 300 partners, this organization distributes nearly 23 million pounds of food per year and is on a mission to bridge the gap between hunger and abundance for those in need in Colorado.
Food Pantries + More
Care and Share has two food pantries – called Sunnyside Markets – and is in the process of opening a third, which will be a part of the Family Success Center in Colorado Springs. These food pantries make up about 5 percent of its model. The other 95 percent? Along with distributing food to food pantries across all of southern Colorado, Care and Share also provides direct services like food trucks that act as mobile grocery stores.
This nonprofit is fueled and powered by donations, grants, food sustainability programs, food drives such as Harvest of Love, and a purchasing power that can turn just $1 dollar into five meals. But what really turns the gears? The 6,000-plus volunteers.
Volunteers Further Mission
It’s pretty incredible how one food bank can distribute millions of pounds of food over thousands of miles with only a handful of paid employees. What’s even more incredible is finding out that all of that is made possible in part by people simply willing to share their time.
“We consider volunteers the heart of Care and Share because it’s our volunteers who make furthering our mission possible,” explains President and CEO Nate Springer.
When it comes to volunteering, there is something for everyone. From hosting a food drive at your school, office or neighborhood, to helping sort and pack food at the distribution center or serving meals at one of the Sunnyside Markets. There are over 30 different ways to volunteer time at Care and Share and every minute matters.
“One in nine people in Colorado are in need,” Springer explains. “It’s a common misconception that a food bank only benefits a certain group of people, but the need is shockingly much more widespread. We help those who are living paycheck to paycheck, young professionals, and more. You would be surprised at how large the demographic is of those who are in need of food, especially as the economy continues to fluctuate. Food is a universal right, and at Care and Share we believe no one should go hungry.”
Holiday Season
Going into the holiday season, the need has never been greater.
“It’s necessary for sustenance, yes, but food also brings people and families together,” Springer explains. “What greater gift, than to give your time to a cause like this.”
Not sure how you’d like to get involved? Start with visiting the distribution center.
“A lot of people can’t wrap their head around what 23 million pounds of food actually looks like,” Springer says, “and once you see it…. well, I can’t think of anything more inspiring.”
Check out Care and Share’s website to see all the other ways you can make a difference for your Colorado neighbors.
Website: https://careandshare.org/
Facebook + Instagram: @careandsharefb