Local partnership supports hunger relief in Colorado mountain communities

Reliable access to nutritious food is essential to the well-being of rural communities — and for families, older adults and children, having healthy food available close to home can make a meaningful difference. Through CoBank's Sharing Success program, customers and local organizations are working together to help meet that need.

In 2026, the program awarded $673,000 through 141 grants supporting food access and hunger relief — a 46% increase from the previous year. One of those partnerships is helping Mountain Family Center meet growing demand across Grand and Jackson counties in Colorado.

Through Sharing Success, CoBank customer Mountain Parks Electric contributed $15,000 to the family center. The member-owned electric cooperative serves Grand and Jackson counties and portions of neighboring Colorado counties. CoBank matched the contribution, creating a $30,000 investment in local hunger relief.

As one of the region's primary family resource centers, Mountain Family Center operates four food pantries and expands access through mobile distribution, children's food totes, school fruit stands and senior grocery delivery. Visits to its pantries rose nearly 16% in 2025, from nearly 13,500 to more than 15,500, reflecting growing pressure on local households. The funding will help the center stock pantry shelves and keep pace with rising demand.

"The longstanding partnership among Mountain Family Center, Mountain Parks Electric and CoBank demonstrates what is possible when local commitment is combined with regional resources," said Stacy Starr, executive director of MFC.

The support comes at an important time. A low-snow year and reduced tourism have affected households that depend on Grand County's seasonal economy, while costs have increased for housing, utilities, groceries and fuel. For local residents, the funding can mean a child has enough food over the weekend, an older adult receives groceries at home or a family has more room in its budget for other essentials.

For Mountain Parks Electric, the partnership reflects its broader commitment to community well-being.

"CoBank's Sharing Success program exemplifies how strategic partnerships can multiply the benefits delivered to rural communities," said Aaron Street, vice president of member relations at MPEI.

"Together, we are not simply providing food. We are strengthening food security, stability, dignity and resilience across our mountain communities," Starr said.