When a community unites to tackle hunger, results can be transformative and have lasting positive effects on the very livelihoods of its citizens. Thanks to the community in Weld County, Colo., one food bank can meet people where they are to receive the food they need. WFB has been committed to the fight against hunger for more than four decades. The nonprofit organization is a beacon of hope for families and individuals struggling to put food on their tables.

“As a child, my mom was a single mom raising two kids and we relied a lot on the food bank to provide meals for us,” says Curtis Rau, damage prevention specialist. “Times were tough and the impact it had on us is something that's always been near and dear to my heart.”

With Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities being a core initiative for Atmos Energy, we have been a staunch supporter of Weld Food Bank since our first donation in 2005. Curtis Rau’s firsthand experience has played a vital role in establishing our strong partnership. As Kurtis Paradisa, manager of public affairs, states, “I do not believe our relationship and our involvement would be to the degree it is now if it wasn’t for Curtis, and that speaks to his passion for this organization.”

Founded in 1982 in Greeley, Colo., Weld Food Bank began as a small, local group addressing the hunger needs of their residents. Since then, it has expanded its reach through deep community connections between local farmers, retailers, and other business entities. This collaborative involvement speaks to their mission statement, which is “to lead and engage our community in the fight against hunger”, and helped Weld Food Bank distribute 15.6 million pounds of food last year. Driving home the significance of this team effort was Stephanie Gausch, Weld Food Bank’s chief development officer, when she said, “It is very gratifying to see how the community can make a difference when we work together.”

Atmos Energy has been a dedicated partner with Weld Food Bank for almost 20 years, understanding the critical need to Make a Difference. As Curtis says, “Handing food to people and seeing the appreciation on their face when they receive a box full of fresh produce and meat is very gratifying to know you impacted somebody and made their day.” Over the many years of alliance with Weld Food Bank, Atmos Energy has donated funds that delivered 141,660 meals to neighbors in need. Atmos Energy employees have also volunteered more than 1,500 hours, leading Stephanie to say, “I know we are in for a great day when I get to work and see the safety cones and Atmos Energy trucks pulled into the parking spots!”

These efforts from Atmos Energy and other committed partners play an integral role in the success of Weld Food Bank’s many programs and events, including:

• Stone Soup – the signature fundraising dinner

• Emergency Food Program – food packages handed to the needy directly from the warehouse

• Backpack Program – child-friendly foods delivered to schools to hand out for the weekend • Farms to Families – mobile farmer’s market

• Kids Café – an after-school program for children who might not get dinner at home

• Senior Feeding Program – available for those over 60, and delivered directly to the home bound

Atmos Energy is proud to partner with the Weld Food Bank community as an ardent supporter to help defeat hunger and see the benefits of putting nutritional food on the tables of those in need. Kurtis states, “You get this close-knit family vibe when you are there. You just feel the passion at their core – from the volunteers to the CEO.”

In the words of Weld Food Bank’s CEO, Bob O’Connor, “Atmos Energy has been an amazing partner in the fight against hunger. It goes beyond financial support; you can tell that Atmos Energy employees truly care about making their community a better place. We know we can always count on Atmos Energy to help when we need it, and we are grateful for everything they do to help Weld County thrive.”

To learn more about the Weld Food Bank, please visit www.weldfoodbank.org.