As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on many households, the number of community members facing food insecurity has increased over the past two years, forcing food banks across the country to seek more donations and of helping hands.
Weld Food Bank is no exception, and on Friday nearly 1,000 community members came to show their support for the nonprofit by attending the Hops for Hunger event at Boardwalk Park in Windsor.
“It’s just a big community event,†said Jeff Nagle, board member. “The food bank this year with COVID, the need has increased. One dollar feeds one person a day, so the money raised here goes a long way. Last year it was canceled due to COVID, so the mere fact that we can do it this year is great. “
Breweries that participated in the event included Fort Collins’ Maxline Brewing, WeldWerks Brewing, Timnath Beerwerks, and Windsor Peculier Ales and High Hops Brewery.
“It’s for a good cause, Weld Food Bank, we try to support them as much as we can,†said Tommy Dyer, co-owner of Brix Brew and Tap. “You can’t beat the room because it’s right here on the lake with the stage and the grass. It’s a bit hot today, but we brought some good beer on a warm day.
Brix brought casks of his Das Boot, Mother May I ?, Fuzz Crush and Zlager for the festival crowd to sample.
Also from Fort Collins, Pure Sparkling Water first participated in the festival, featuring its water infused with organic hemp extract.
Attendees were able to sample Pure’s hibiscus flower, pink grapefruit, chocolate cherry, walnut and other refreshing flavors among the different varieties of craft beer.
The JBS Meat Distributor was on hand with their large barbecue platform, making chicken and pork ribs for attendees to feast on with the food bank whipping sides to accompany the meat.
“We are a corporate sponsor of the food bank and obviously we are passionate about feeding people. We are very committed to doing this, â€said Doug Jones, JBS pork pricing manager. “This is the fifth year that we are doing this, and we plan to feed between 900 and 1,000 people this year.”
Participants also had the opportunity to win a Traeger Smoker, 99 cans of craft beer, or a cooler full of meat at the event raffle.
As with many fundraising events, sponsors are the backbone and Hops for Hunger was no exception. Power Services Company, The Weld Trust, Windsor Yoga Family, Bohemian Foundation, Windsor Rotary, Horizon View Homes, and Uncorked Wine and Spirits are just a few companies and organizations that helped sponsor the event.
For more information on the Weld Food Bank, or to find out more about volunteer or donation opportunities, go to www.weldfoodbank.org.
