Boulder Chamber Announces Partnership Food Drive Benefitting Harvest of Hope Pantry and EFAA

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Boulder, Colorado – The Boulder Chamber, in partnership with the Food Security Network (FSN), have announced their year-long food drive initiative benefiting Harvest of Hope Pantry and the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA). Beginning in August, and running through the end of July 2024, we invite businesses and community members to play an active role in supporting those in need and working to overcome food scarcities in the Boulder Area. Those businesses interested in hosting a food drive, should complete an interest form.

“Supporting business success and economic vitality is, at its core, about helping people achieve financial security and realize their dreams,” said Boulder Chamber President and CEO John Tayer. “A responsible business community recognizes there are some who need additional assistance as they overcome barriers to economic independence. Providing food assistance is the foundation on which individuals and families can begin to build toward a more secure future.”

Multiple drop-off locations will be available and accepting donations throughout the duration of the food and supply drive. The collected donations will benefit and support Harvest of Hope Pantry and EFAA. With community members in need, we encourage you to find the nearest drop-off locations and join us as we begin this outreach initiative.

“In just the last year, demand at our food bank has increased 62%, and we are seeing 650 families and individuals using our food bank every week,” said Walter O’Toole, EFAA Food Bank Manager. “Food drives are a critical resource for us, stocking our shelves with a variety of high-quality foods, and creating long-lasting partnerships with Boulder businesses. Every food drive contributes to our missions to strengthen families and create a thriving community.” By working together to accomplish a mutual goal, Boulder Chamber and FSN encourage you to get involved in the food drive campaign as we work to eliminate food scarcities in our community.

“The fundamental purpose of the Food Security Network is to create systems change. Raising awareness of the root causes of food insecurity will help make that happen. In order to accomplish this, it is imperative that the community at large understand the prevalence of hunger in Boulder,” said Lenora Cooper of Food Security Network of Boulder and Broomfield Counties. “Up to 25 percent of Boulderites don’t have nutritious enough food to eat. In the short-term, this project will have a far-reaching impact to reduce food insecurity now. In the long run, the awareness raised will help us collectively make the systemic changes needed for true food justice.”

For more information on this community effort, please contact [email protected]; or [email protected]. More information will be released, including drop-off locations and accepted donations, through Boulder Chamber social media channels, newsletters, and media releases.

About the Boulder Chamber

The nonprofit Boulder Chamber is the region’s flagship business advocacy and support organization. With more than 110 years of dedicated service to its members and the Boulder community, the Boulder Chamber’s innovative programs help local businesses succeed while sustaining an economy that preserves Boulder’s high quality of life, including its environmental and cultural assets. Together with its member businesses, the Boulder Chamber is building a smarter, more vibrant economy – sustaining Boulder’s position as a global capital of innovation and a thriving center of economic vitality. For more information, visit http://www.boulderchamber.com.

About the Emergency Family Assistance Association

EFAA provides stabilizing services, innovative programs, and transformative advocacy to strengthen families and create a thriving community. As Boulder’s Family Resource Center, they are dedicated to helping members of the community meet their immediate needs and springboard out of poverty. To learn more about the Emergency Family Assistance Association, please visit https://www.efaa.org/.

About the Food Security Network

The Food Security Network is a diverse stakeholder collaborative located in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. It is a beloved community of nonprofits, government entities, business leaders, funders, schools and community members. FSN builds community power to influence policy and systems change to increase food justice and sovereignty for ALL. The Food Security Network’s goals consist of shifting power and systems to increase access to food throughout the region. FSN works toward this by collaboratively learning, strategizing and influencing every aspect of our local food systems- from linking the local food charity systems to the right to find and purchase the foods everyone desires.

About Harvest of Hope Pantry

Harvest of Hope Pantry opened its doors in 2012 with the sole mission of food assistance. The Pantry offers a client choice shopping experience where individuals select their preferred foods. The safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment is modeled after a grocery market and brings dignity and autonomy to many who are facing the stress of food insecurity. The Pantry welcomes individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances to select free, supplemental food to fill the gap that other services are unable to offer.