Agency Newsletter - February 2024
New Regions Announced
We have reconfigured our service area to best serve each of our valued partners. See the new map and list of those regions. What you should know moving forward is that your regional manager is here to support your work in the communities you serve every day! Questions? Contact your regional manager and we will be happy to help!
Eastern Plains Regional Manager: Kyle Moore, 719-418-4294 or kyle@careandshare.org
Rocky Mountain Regional Manager: Madalene Andoe-Leggett, 719-434-4681 or madalene@careandshare.org
Timely Ordering Reminder
Agency pick-ups at our Care and Share Distribution Centers will be closed on February 19th due to observance of Presidents’ Day. You should have received an alternative delivery date if you typically receive a delivery on the 3rd Monday of the month. If you haven’t, please connect with Quality Assurance ASAP by emailing agencies@careandshare.org or call 719-937-4547.
Farm Bill Update from Feeding Colorado
The current Farm Bill expired 10/1. Nutrition programs like SNAP and TEFAP are on auto-pilot until a new bill is passed. Check out Feeding America’s Farm Bill Legislation Watch Page, which includes our network’s Farm Bill priorities, fast facts, and an overview of this important legislation. Feeding Colorado continues to engage with our Congressional Delegation to promote the network’s priorities in the Farm Bill.
Check out Feeding America’s new Farm Bill videos below, and feel free to share on your social media pages for educational purposes!
State Session
The Colorado 2024 State Session convened on January 10th, 2024. You can find our state policy priorities, designed to guide our actions and position for this year’s session below. We are excited to find solutions to hunger and work with our state legislators to support our network and communities we serve.
Get Involved!
You can make a difference by speaking up and speaking out against hunger and its root causes. Are you interested in getting more involved in advocacy? Fill out the form below to learn more and get involved!
Everyday Eats (CSFP) Grant Opportunity!
AARP Colorado invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 6 at 3 p.m. MST. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its eighth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.
USDA Distribution Partners - Do You Have Your Limited English Proficiency Plan?
If you are one of our agency partners that distributes USDA foods (TEFAP or Everyday Eats) please make sure you have a plan in place to provide free language assistance to those with limited English when trying to access USDA foods. Care and Share offers a platform called Languagers to support our agencies that do not have access to language translation services. If you need assistance, please contact your Regional Manager or the Steven Williams, Programs Director, at stevenw@careandshare.org or 719-937-4933. Remember, this is a USDA requirement so it’s important to have these plans in place!
Service Insights on Meal Connect (SIMC) Updates
Service Insights on Meal Connect (SIMC) is moving right along thanks to your participation! Head over to our blog for the latest SIMC updates, including important training and onboarding information.
Springs Food Pantry and First Church of the Nazarene Join Forces
Springs Food Pantry faced adversity when forced to relocate due to building issues but, in a heartwarming turn of events, found a new home at Colorado Springs First Church of the Nazarene. This was in thanks to a timely collaboration orchestrated by a shared friend. Despite challenges, the community rallied together with 100 volunteers, highlighting the resilience and unity in addressing food insecurity. The strategic partnership not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters growth and collaborative efforts, showcasing the transformative power of community-driven initiatives to combat hunger in Southern Colorado.
Read more over on our blog!
Veterans Serving Veterans | Tony's Story
IMPORTANT DATES
Please use the Closure Dates webpage for your reference. We will be closed on the following days in January:
February 19th — No pick-ups for Presidents’ Day.
February 29th — No pick-ups for 5th week cleaning and inventory.
CURRENT FOOD RECALLS
Click here to view the latest recalls under the Food Recalls tab in the Agency Portal.
FOOD HANDLING REMINDER - EXPIRATION DATES
Numerous food products can still be consumed well past their expiration! For instance, many canned items are good FIVE YEARS after their expiration date. Dried rice and beans can still be used two years after the past due date as well as powdered drinks, gravy and sauce mix packets, stuffing, and peanut butter. See Care and Shares Expiration Dates spreadsheet for additional examples.
AGENCY HOTLINE
Our Agency Hotline is there for you to connect with us when you have training needs or issues with your orders and deliveries. Please contact us at 719-937-4547 or agencies@careandshare.org.
