Appreciation for Our Incredible Partner Network

A personal note from the Food Bank team:

I am fortunate to have an inquisitive four-year-old daughter who loves to ask questions about what I do for work and why I. My answers over the years have expanded as she learns more of the world. I used to say, "Mama helps feed families," and nowadays, "Mama works with many people that share food and other things to help children grow and families enjoy healthy meals together". 

So many of our partners come immediately to mind and heart as I share our network's impact with her. As she understands more and more of the world we live in, I look forward to sharing how so many people come together to care for one another — to find solutions to hunger in our communities together. And I hope the incredible work our network engages in each day will inspire her to service as well. 

Across the Food Bank network, our partners show up every day and give their all to this work. Our shared work on the front lines matters — to our communities, of course, but also to parents like me when we teach our children what it means to be a helper, and to little four-year olds forming their own sense of self and role in our community.

If you're one of the countless volunteers or staff who make all this all possible: thank you. There's no way to sufficiently appreciate everything you do, and I hope you never lose your heart for this work.

And if you're a new supporter or looking for ways to get more involved: we need you now more than ever. Check out some of the partners highlighted below or use our FoodFinder app to find the location closest to you. The best way to show appreciation is with our support!

– Caitlin Cohn Director of Network Strategy & Engagement

August is Partner Agency Appreciation Month here at the Food Bank. 

And while we certainly celebrate our network’s incredible impact year-round, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for all our partners do — because our shared mission to end hunger is only as strong as the relationships we foster in our communities. The challenge of food insecurity within our communities is vast — and we can only find success if we work collaboratively to serve, engage in advocacy work, and build solutions together.  

Since the Food Bank network was established in 1980, we’ve significantly expanded the resources we provide to our neighbors. Our shared growth has only been possible due to the power of the collective — now at 700+ local programs throughout the region — who have been feeding communities for decades. We value these partnerships more than anything.  

This work is made possible through community connections across the partner agency network – neighbors, donors, volunteers, and a host of community-focused organizations. 

Our network's tireless dedication, commitment to service, and willingness to go above and beyond fuel our work.  Partner agencies show up for our neighbors during natural disasters, government shutdowns, and other challenging times — and we are so grateful to be in partnership with countless dedicated hunger relief advocates.  

On behalf of all of us at the Food Bank, thank you for being the most critical part of this work. Thank you for serving with love and compassion. Thank you for all you do year-round for our communities. I wish you a happy Partner Agency Appreciation Month! 

– Mariah Murrell Chief Community Impact Officer