The Regional Food Bank has launched a new initiative to expand community-based partnerships across our 23-county service area. We are continuously seeking ways to better support our network of 1,000 partners and programs. For example, each year, we provide direct financial support to our partners at the end of the year to help them acquire additional food.
In the past year, we introduced FoodForward, a program designed to collaborate with agencies and community partners who are committed to building local capacity or developing innovative solutions to reach more neighbors in need.
For 2025, we have selected 30 agencies throughout our service area to engage with in new and impactful ways. Through FoodForward, we are empowering these agencies to undertake a range of initiatives and supporting them directly with their plans – including expanding food rescue programs, launching mobile food pantries, acquiring freezers, increasing access to culturally relevant food options, establishing pantries in urban food deserts, and much more.
At the Regional Food Bank, everything we do is rooted in partnership. We know that ensuring equitable food access across such a diverse region is only possible through strong local collaborations. We deeply value our agency partners and have immense respect for their tireless dedication to serving their communities.
In this time of growing need, we are more committed than ever to supporting grassroots expansion and innovation. We are excited to listen, learn, and collaborate to make an even greater impact together.