About us
OUR MISSION
At Care and Share Food Bank, we believe no one should go hungry.
At Care and Share Food Bank, our mission is to ensure equitable and sustainable access to nutritious food and education by partnering with neighbors, communities, organizations, and supporters across Southern Colorado because we believe no one should go hungry. Our vision is to place people first to maximize access to nutritious food and meet the unique needs of each neighbor we serve. Our core values are people, resilience, integrity, dignity, equity, and excellence.
Since 1972, Care and Share has grown from an all-volunteer-led organization working out of a neighborhood garage in Colorado Springs to the sole food bank serving 29 counties across 47,000 square miles. We are continually adapting and responding to ever-changing factors, such as fluctuations in the economy and the rising costs of essentials.
What happens at a food bank?
Gather
We receive donated or low-cost food from suppliers, community partners, and federal nutrition programs.
Sort
Distribute
Food is then supplied to our partner food pantries and distributed to those in need.
Care and Share exists to ensure that the one in nine Southern Coloradans at risk of hunger have access to healthy and nutritious food to thrive. We know that children without adequate access to food cannot develop successfully, families cannot plan for their future, and seniors find it more difficult to remain independent.
Our history
In 1972, our founder Sister Dominique Pisciotta saw many people in her own community struggling with hunger and decided to do something about it. Hunger wasn’t ok with Sister Dominique then and it isn’t ok with us now. We know you feel the same way.
In the early days, we distributed food baskets throughout Colorado Springs. Now, we provide millions of pounds of food throughout 29 Southern Colorado counties. We have far outgrown our humble beginnings, where we distributed food out of volunteers’ basements and a two car garage on S. Wahsatch Street. Today, we have the privilege of running our operation from well- equipped distribution centers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. And volunteers, always the lifeblood of our work, have grown in ranks from one committed Sister to more than 47,000 volunteer hours annually!
The people and places that make it all possible.
Feeding people can only happen when we all come together with the same mission in mind. Care and Share is part of the community, and we belong to the community.
Volunteers
Volunteers give us something precious every day: their time. They roll up their sleeves and take action in the most tangible ways possible. They know that every can they sort or bag they pack means they’ve made someone’s life a little brighter. They are the heart of our organization, furthering our mission day-by-day.
Meal Site and Food Pantries
Our Partner Agencies are on the front line of hunger relief. Soup kitchens, pantries, community centers, churches, and schools provide hope. Whether dishing out lunch to 600 people each day, or serving six families in the church once a month, together, they make the world a better place.
Individual Donors
The generosity of individuals makes our work possible all year long. Thousands of donors have joined our mission as they see a need to take action and be part of the solution. Donors know that no matter the size of their gift, it will make a difference to a friend, a senior, a child, or a family facing hunger. And we know that every gift will go a long way.
Corporate and Foundation Partners
Corporate, community, and foundational partners support our events, provide grants for programs, hold fundraising activities, and offer matching funds for their employees because they know our communities are more vibrant when we have the food we need to thrive.
Serving Southern Colorado
We couldn't get food onto the tables of our neighbors in need without the support of our incredible fleet of drivers. Together, our trucks travel nearly a quarter million miles each year.
Annual Reports & Financials
We take our responsibility to help feed people very seriously—carefully stewarding each food and financial gift we receive. Striving for efficiency and really stretching every gift, each dollar donated is able to acquire an average of 5 pounds of food. We are proud of the work we do and grateful for everyone who makes it possible.
