As a mission-based cooperative lender and member of the Farm Credit System, CoBank is committed to serving as a good corporate citizen. The bank maintains a variety of corporate social responsibility programs primarily focused on rural America and the vitality of rural communities and industries.
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For more than 18 years, CoBank and our associates have been strong supporters of Food Bank of the Rockies. The largest hunger relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, Food Bank of the Rockies distributes more than 181,500 meals every day.
It coordinates with more than 800 hunger relief partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, acting as a distribution hub for food, essentials and logistical resources. Food Bank of the Rockies also operates its own direct programs, providing food through mobile pantries and programs that serve kids and older adults.
“Addressing hunger and food insecurity in general is a critical public health issue,” said Jennifer Lackey, Food Bank of the Rockies' chief development officer. “As the country continues to face economic challenges and food prices continue to rise, so do the number of food-insecure households in our community and across the U.S. That’s why partners like CoBank are so important to Food Bank of the Rockies. Year after year, we have relied on its consistent support to help us fulfill our mission.”
CoBank associates packed more than 600 boxes for distribution in our community.
CoBank’s support for Food Bank of the Rockies has served many purposes. Past donations have enabled the food bank to increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables it offers to partner agencies. In recent years, the bank has issued a series of challenge grants that increased donor engagement by matching online donations. In 2023, CoBank committed $100,000 to Food Bank of the Rockies’ summer matching gift campaign. Through strategic donor outreach, Food Bank of the Rockies multiplied that gift, generating nearly $1.2 million through more than 6,800 donations.
In addition to financial contributions, CoBank has provided Food Bank of the Rockies with labor and expertise through volunteer service. Michael Tousignant, sector vice president in CoBank's corporate finance group, has served on the food bank’s board of directors for five years.
“Working with and on behalf of Food Bank of the Rockies has been an honor and a privilege,” Tousignant said. “Every single person I’ve met—from the board to the staff to the volunteers—shares a passion for the organization and a commitment to nourishing our neighbors. And it’s great to see that same passion and commitment from our CoBank volunteers. Last year, in one volunteer event alone, CoBank associates packed more than 600 boxes for distribution in our community. That’s more than 41,000 pounds of food equating to more than 33,000 meals. As a board member and a part of the CoBank team, I can’t tell you how proud I am of this relationship.”
