Food Bank of the Rockies plans new hunger relief center

AURORA, Colo. (July 8, 2025) — As more families face tough choices between food and other essentials, Food Bank of the Rockies plans to open a 270,000-square-foot distribution center this winter to meet rising demand across Colorado and Wyoming.

The organization, which has operated out of an outdated space for nearly two decades, said the new facility will boost efficiency, expand capacity and better serve communities facing food insecurity. The project’s capital campaign is 85 percent funded, and leaders are asking the community to help close the final gap.

“After 19 years in a space we outgrew long ago, we are excited to open a hub designed to support our mission of nourishing people facing hunger,” said Erin Pulling, president and CEO. “This is a foundation for reaching more neighbors with fresh, nutritious food and for building a future where no one wonders where their next meal will come from.”

The new center will double cold storage for fresh and frozen items, triple volunteer capacity and quadruple kitchen space. It will also increase storage by 67 percent, scale up kids’ meal production, expand fresh produce distribution by up to 50 percent and allow the organization to distribute up to 300 percent more culturally responsive food. Leaders say the plan will also save $500,000 a year by consolidating operations and investing in sustainability.

Brie Dilley, executive director of partner organization SECOR Cares, said the expansion will help meet the growing need. “More people every day must choose between paying rent and putting food on the table,” Dilley said. “This investment is a step toward a future where they won’t have to make that difficult decision.”

Major donors to the campaign include Capital One, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Colorado Enterprise Fund, North Sky Capital and Rural Development Partners. A $500,000 matching gift from the Fulenwider Family Foundation is encouraging the public to support the final push.

“This purpose-built center increases operational capacity and efficiency and will nourish more children and families for years to come,” said Cal Fulenwider, committee chair. “My family is proud to stand with Food Bank of the Rockies in building a better future, one meal at a time.”