DENVER (Oct. 5, 2012) – More than 800,000 Coloradans are at risk of hunger—from children to seniors. It is a serious and often invisible problem, but one that is solvable. Hunger Free Colorado, the state’s leading anti- hunger organization, hosted their annual convening on Oct. 3 for nearly 200 hunger-free champions to learn how their work can have a stronger impact on ending hunger for Coloradans.
The Hunger Free Colorado Summit 2012, presented by Walmart, united nonprofit organizations, faith community leaders, government representatives, school administrators, and foundation and corporate leadership for a full day of cross-sector learning at the Red Lion Hotel in central Denver. Sessions and panel discussions were led by local and national experts and covered various topics, including client-centered services, senior hunger, community organizing, storytelling, backpack programs and the role that food banks and pantries play in improving health.
Billy Shore, the founder and CEO for Share Our Strength, was the keynote speaker. Other speakers included Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services; Emily Allen, Vice President of Income Impact for AARP Foundation; and Kori Reed, Vice President for ConAgra Foods Foundation and Cause.
“We hope hunger-free champions walked away with new ideas to improve the work they do every day,” said Kathy Underhill, executive director for Hunger Free Colorado. “Together we can end hunger in our state and ensure every Coloradan has access to adequate, nutritious food.”
The summit would not have been possible without the attendees as well as the generous support of the sponsors, speakers, moderators, panelists, volunteers and staff. A special thanks to the presenting sponsor, Walmart; the social hour sponsor, Craftworks Foundation; and the food bank partners, Care and Share Food Bank, Food Bank of the Rockies, Food Bank for Larimer County, Weld Food Bank and Community Food Share.
View photos from the Hunger Free Colorado Summit online. To learn more about Hunger Free Colorado, the issue of hunger in Colorado and how you can be a part of the solution, visit www.hungerfreecolorado.org.
Media Contact: Michelle Ray, Director of Communications, (720) 432-0255