December 14, 2003 - Weld Food Bank Still in Need
December 5, 2003 - Weld Food Bank Burglarized
October 28, 2003 - Weld Food Bank Capital Campaign Gains Momentum
June 4, 2003 - Weld Food Bank Announces Capital Campaign
Weld Food Bank Still in Need
December 14, 2003 – Although the investigation is still ongoing, Greeley Police have been successful in recovering some of the items stolen from Weld Food Bank on Thanksgiving weekend.
However, it is unknown what damage or corruption of files the computers and equipment have suffered. Weld Food Bank has spent a great deal of time and resources to get past this senseless act and continue operating. Therefore, the food bank is still in dire need of help. “Our plea is now to our community – the same community that was hurt by this inconceivable act – to help us feed the hungry this holiday season as well as continue building our new facility,” said Leona Martens, Executive Director.
Currently, Weld Food Bank’s major focus is collecting and providing food to the many agencies it serves for holiday baskets. Food donations are requested and most appreciated, in any amount, at any time. It is most helpful if food donations are group organized, and they can be dropped off at Weld Food Bank, 104 11th Avenue, during operating hours.
To replace non-recovered items and continue fund-raising for the new facility, monetary donations are also encouraged and appreciated. Donations can be mailed to the Weld Food Bank at 104 11th Avenue, Greeley, CO, 80631.
Weld Food Bank Burglarized
December 5, 2003 – The Weld Food Bank was broken into and burglarized during the Thanksgiving weekend. There has been an out-pouring of care and concern from the community and beyond, and for those who have contacted us we are very thankful.
Unfortunately the work is far from being over. We are being forced to spend time handling this tragedy rather than placing our attention on our mission: to help collect and distribute food to those in need.
This one awful event reminds us just how many people and agencies depend on the Weld Food Bank and how crucial the Food Bank is to so many people in Weld County. Due to slim margins, an event like this that takes food and resources away from those in need can have major repercussions and effect thousands of families in our community. We want to help partner agencies reach as many families as possible during the holiday season to ensure that they not only have food for daily meals but food for holiday celebrations as well. If you are interested in helping, the Weld Food Bank needs holiday food items such as: Turkey/ham, boxed stuffing, canned sweet potatoes, and canned fruits.
You may donate food by stopping by the Weld Food Bank at 104 11th Avenue in Greeley. Cash donations are also welcome and especially needed. Donations can be mailed to the Weld Food Bank at 104 11th Avenue, Greeley, CO, 80631.
Weld Food Bank Capital Campaign Gains Momentum
October 28, 2003 – The Weld Food Bank is happy to announce that the Gates Family Foundation has recently awarded the Weld Food Bank a grant of $100,000 for the construction of the new food bank warehouse and offices. This grant is slated to go toward the construction of the new Weld Food Bank, located at 11th Avenue and 8th Street. The grant gives Weld Food Bank $50,000 to use outright in 2003, and will award the final $50,000 provided the total of $2.5 million for the project, including the Gates grant, is raised by November 1, 2005.
Other recent donations include a substantial concrete work donation from Hensel-Phelps, and nearly $300,000 of in-kind donations for fees associated with construction and design costs from Mark Belford Architects and Landmark Builders.
The Weld Food Bank $2.5 million capital campaign includes a new 35,000 square foot building, located at 11th Avenue and H Street, on 3.5 acres provided by Weld County. This new facility will provide more than double the amount of space as the current facility. To date, $1.75 million has been raised toward the effort. According to Capital Campaign Chairman, Jeff Bedingfield, “People who are healthy, nourished, and cared for have the potential to grow, learn, and make valuable contributions to their community. However, when their basic needs are not met, they cannot rise to their full potential, and the community suffers as a result. The Weld Food Bank nurtures the health of Weld County by providing nutritional sustenance and education to help individuals succeed in our community. The limitations of our present warehouse require us to focus more on stopgap measures than on proactive programs and community partnerships that are designed to help people help themselves. The Weld Food Bank is in dire need of a larger facility that is specifically designed for food distribution. Such a facility will enable the food bank to reach more people; reduce food waste; provide better nutritional choices and education; and better assist partner agencies that help people to become self-sufficient. Above all, our goal in acquiring a larger facility is to nourish our growing community through effective long-term solutions to hunger.”
For information on how to make a donation, please call Weld Food Bank at 970-356-2199.
The Weld Food Bank, originally known as the Greeley Food Clearing House opened its doors in August of 1982. During the first month of operation about 8,000 pounds of food were distributed. The food bank has grown significantly over the past twenty years. Last year, the Weld Food Bank distributed 5.2 million pounds of food through its direct services or through its 108 partner non-profit agencies.
Weld Food Bank Announces Capital Campaign
June 4, 2003 – The Weld Food Bank is excited to announce a $2.5 million capital campaign that will include a new 35,000 square foot building, located at 11th Avenue and H Street, on 3.5 acres provided by Weld County. This new facility will provide more than double the amount of space as the current facility. To date, $1.34 million has been raised toward the effort. Weld Food Bank will strive to raise $665,000 before August 15, 2003, to complete the first building phase. According to Capital Campaign Chairman, Jeff Bedingfield, “People who are healthy, nourished, and cared for have the potential to grow, learn, and make valuable contributions to their community. However, when their basic needs are not met, they cannot rise to their full potential, and the community suffers as a result. The Weld Food Bank nurtures the health of Weld County by providing nutritional sustenance and education to help individuals succeed in our community. The limitations of our present warehouse require us to focus more on stopgap measures than on proactive programs and community partnerships that are designed to help people help themselves. The Weld Food Bank is in dire need of a larger facility that is specifically designed for food distribution. Such a facility will enable the food bank to reach more people; reduce food waste; provide better nutritional choices and education; and better assist partner agencies that help people to become self-sufficient. Above all, our goal in acquiring a larger facility is to nourish our growing community through effective long-term solutions to hunger.”
