With strong community support, a new Aurora facility boosts hunger relief efforts.
AURORA, Colo., Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Food Bank of the Rockies just opened a huge 270,000-square-foot distribution center in East Aurora, marking an important step in fighting hunger in Colorado and Wyoming. This new space will help meet the increasing demands of those in need.
This facility is the largest of its kind in the area. It doubles the Food Bank’s abilities to store and distribute food. Thanks to improved logistics and more refrigeration, they can now provide more nutritious meals and expand workforce training programs.
“We are grateful to everyone who made this possible,” said Erin Pulling, President & CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies. “This center goes beyond just more space. It shows our commitment to helping our community more efficiently.”
The need for food assistance has surged, especially since October 2025, when furloughed federal workers faced income disruptions and many people lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November.
“We had to buy more than 150 extra truckloads of food to meet the rising demand during the holiday season,” Pulling explained. “It’s shown us how vital this new facility is.”
Food Bank of the Rockies is responding to the highest levels of food insecurity seen in over a decade. Many families are struggling, and more cuts to SNAP and Medicaid are expected under the recent House Reconciliation Bill (H.R.1), which could worsen the situation.
Since the new center opened, it has strengthened partnerships with local organizations. Around 1 in 8 people, including 1 in 7 children, are currently facing food insecurity in Colorado and Wyoming. This center aims to improve access to healthy food options and resources.
Emily Stromquist, Executive Director of Food for Hope, praised the expansion, noting that it will help provide diverse and nutritious meals for local children and families. “It’s essential we equip communities with the nutrition they need,” she said.
- This new facility doubles cold storage for perishable items.
- It triples volunteer capacity.
- Kitchens are now four times larger.
- Production of kids’ meals could increase fourfold.
- Food storage capacity has risen by 67%.
- It allows for 300% more culturally appropriate food.
- Operating costs will drop by over $500,000 each year due to consolidated operations.
For nearly 50 years, Food Bank of the Rockies has provided critical support to families in need. In 2022, they distributed enough food for over 200,000 meals each day, driven by community donations. “Their work is vital now more than ever,” said a supporter from the Broe Family, thanking everyone who contributed to the center.
For more about Food Bank of the Rockies, visit foodbankrockies.org.
Source link
Food Bank, distribution center, the Rockies
