What happens when a goal is reached and a dream is realized? What happens when you have accomplished the one thing you have worked towards for 20 years? Do you rest on your laurels and polish your medals?

If you’re Montrose’s Sharing Ministries Food Bank (SMFB), you keep going, setting even higher and loftier goals to help you meet the ongoing needs of your community.

SMFB currently serves more than 5,500 people each month. In 2017, the organization distributed over 900,000 pounds of food through 63,000 client visits. At least half of food recipients are over the age of 50.

Last May, SMFB welcomed the community into its new, 9,000-square-foot, energy-efficient facility and demonstration kitchen. It was quite an accomplishment, but those who know the needs of the Western Slope communities SMFB serves realized it wasn’t time to take a break. It was a new beginning.

Faith and food

SMFB is one of the largest food banks in Colorado. It’s a faith-based, supplemental food program that distributes food to low-income families and nonprofit organizations throughout Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray and San Miguel counties. The organization was established in 1996 by Pastor Frank Koenig and his wife, Mary.

SMFB is committed to sourcing the freshest food possible from local farmers and businesses, and also supports the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for adults age 60 and older. Oneda Doyal has been the executive director and manager of the warehouse since 2008.

“For the first 20 years, Sharing Ministries rented the old, 3,000-square-foot railroad depot from Union Pacific on a month-to-month basis. For the first few years it was adequate [but] for the past 10 years it has not met the needs of our community,” Doyal said.

She added that the old facility had no restrooms, no administrative offices and no waiting room for clients.

Since SMFB receives no federal funding, for many years, the building or purchase of a larger, fully functioning warehouse and training facility seemed unattainable. But the community responded to the food bank’s outreach efforts whole-heartedly. Regular donors and business partners continued ongoing efforts to support the food bank. New and enthusiastic craftsmen, builders and laborers pitched in and helped make the building a reality. Vision, leadership and hard work were key in keeping everyone focused and dedicated.

Community efforts

The organization’s funding is provided by generous donors and community members. A dedicated and diverse staff of volunteers helps keep the wheels turning.

In 2017, SMFB volunteers logged in over 19,000 hours. Drivers, stockers, boxers and administration are essential to the day-to-day operation. SMFB also receives monetary support from The Green Cupboard, a chic women’s boutique located at 443 E. Main St. in Montrose. Shoppers can browse an assortment of new jewelry, scarves, handbags and other items while supporting the mission of Sharing Ministries.

Feeding the hungry

The new facility hums with positive activity and purpose. Bill McCurdy has volunteered two days a week at SMFB for more than four years, making deliveries and picking up donations.

Pastor Koenig befriended McCurdy’s mother when she went to live at Sunrise Creek, which is when he first learned about the organization.

“I initially came to volunteer as a thank you to Frank,” McCurdy said. “I’ve stayed because I see the tremendous good the food bank accomplishes.”

Neal Kelley has volunteered since 2007.

“I had recently retired, and soon realized that I really needed to go back to work and stay useful,” Kelley said. “The Bible says ‘feed the hungry,’ and that’s what we do here at the food bank…Sharing Ministries is a shining light in the Montrose community.”

Dorothy Stewart, 74, is both a volunteer and food recipient. She lives on a limited income that comes solely from Social Security, and enthusiastically sings the praises of SMFB.

“I rely on Sharing Ministries to supplement my food budget,” she said. “Their food donations are essential to my wellbeing.”

Stewart also volunteers at Grace Community Church, and is able to bring food from Sharing Ministries to feed 25-100 children there each week.

“All the people who work at Sharing Ministries are wonderful. They help an enormous number of people and never turn anyone down,” said Stewart.

Doyal said SMFB is a powerful example of the community coming together to help our neighbors in their time of need.

“We rely entirely on generous financial donors and volunteers to keep our doors open,” she said. “I want to thank the community for coming together to help make this new and much-needed facility a reality.”

Get involved

Become a recipient

The Sharing Ministries Food Bank is located at 49 N. First St. and is open from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday and from 9-11 a.m. on Friday. Applications and eligibility guidelines are available at www.sharingministries.com.

Become a volunteer or donor

Food donations are always welcome, but monetary donations stretch further in helping the organization purchase food at a discount.  Visit www.sharingministries.com to see how to help this worthwhile endeavor. Call 240-8385 to arrange for a guided tour of the facility.