During the month of April, Food for Hope had the opportunity to celebrate with our community! At our Rooted in Hopeevent, we honored all the ways our various partners help move our mission forward. It was an inspiring and fun night! If you weren't able to attend, then I encourage you to watch the video linked below. This 5-minute compilation reflects Food for Hope’s positive impact on the community and why it is important for our work to continue.
As we finish out what has been an incredibly challenging school year, I am immensely proud of my staff. They have worked tirelessly to ensure every school receives thoughtful and comprehensive food support for students in need. In fact, this month on our blog, you get a sneak peek behind the scenes in the warehouse and what goes into sourcing thousands of pounds of food each week. Check it out at the link below! And then join me in commending the work of our Operations Team as they manage the details of 'Loads & Outs' like pros.
Thank you for your continued support of our important mission. Your investment is bringing hope now and building community leaders for the future.
Warmly,
Emily Stromquist, Executive Director
emily@foodforhope.net
Rooted in Hope: Thank You!
Executive Director, Emily Stromquist, with Pathways Future Center students Skylar Stewardson & Jamie Rodriguez and host, Mix100's Katy Mitchel.
Thank you to everyone who came to the Rooted in Hope dinner event last week! Highlights included: gorgeous handmade flower bouquets from our flower cart, silent auction treasures, heartfelt speeches from two local high school students, and a video presentation showing how our community sees the impact of Food for Hope. Skylar Stewardson, a student from Pathways Future Center, eloquently summed it up. She said, "When you’re a student, your ability to focus, to learn, to grow—it all depends on whether or not your basic needs are met. It’s hard to think about your future when you’re worried about something as simple as your next meal. It is hard to succeed when your body and your mind are running on empty. It’s hard to admit when you’re struggling. That’s why Food for Hope matters so much."
If you weren't able to join us, then we encourage you to watch the video linked below!
Thank you again to our sponsors!
PLATINUM: Deltech Furnaces
GOLD:
Onward Energy
City of Northglenn
City of Westminster
27J Schools
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
SILVER:
City of Thornton
Mapleton Schools
Modern Woodmen of America
2026 Schmitz Service Awards
Each year we honor volunteers who exemplify the mission of Food for Hope in their dedicated work to our community by awarding the ‘Schmitz Service Award’. This award was created in 2017 to honor the legacy of Dick ‘Papa’ Schmitz, one of the first volunteers when Food for Hope began. This year we presented this award to two different couples who have served Food for Hope in a sacrificial way.
Dave & Linda Sawyer (above left) have developed a deep connection to the Commerce City Adams 14 community, faithfully serving there multiple times each week. They walk alongside students and families as they shop, help unload trucks, and restock shelves. Throughout the week, Dave is often behind the scenes—helping with deliveries that reach families across all our school districts. Linda goes above and beyond to prepare recipes with pantry food items so that parents can “taste test” ideas for meals while they are shopping! Beyond their service, Dave and Linda are passionate advocates for Food for Hope. They share our mission in their church, in the community, and with everyone they meet. They don’t just meet needs—they build relationships, strengthen community, and inspire others to step in and serve.
Scott & Bonnie Varvir (above right) are an essential part of our truck team, helping deliver restocks to schools, transporting supplies to events, and picking up pallets from Food Bank of the Rockies. They also facilitate our bakery donation pick ups. One moment this winter captures who they are perfectly. On a snowy day, when we suddenly found ourselves short-handed, Scott called Bonnie—who was at home, catching up on laundry. Without hesitation, she traded her pajamas for warm clothes, hopped in the truck, and together they made sure a food pantry was stocked and ready for families the following week. That’s who they are. Consistent. Flexible. Generous. And deeply committed to serving this community. Their willingness to say “yes”—no matter the circumstance—makes a tangible difference in the lives of so many families.
Congratulations! We are tremendously thankful for all of you.
Corporate Sponsor Spotlight: Smurfit Westrock
A big thank you to Smurfit Westrock for joining Food for Hope as one of the newest local businesses in our Corporate Giving Program at the Sprout Level!
This past month, we had the opportunity to visit their sustainable, paper-based packaging facility. Their team rolled up their sleeves to pack 276snack bags, each including a fun toy they generously provided. It was inspiring to see their employees so engaged, eager to learn more about our mission, and excited to give back to their community.
Those thoughtfully packed snack bags have already made their way to local schools and into the hands of students who will truly enjoy them. We’re so grateful for your partnership and the impact you’re already making!
Does your company want learn more about our Corporate Partnership Program? Email: Darcie@foodforhope.net or check out our website for the details.
Community Connections
These connections helped support Food for Hope with food donations this past month:
Chick-fil-A: 92 pounds
Lambertson Farms: 153 pounds
ThornCreek Church: 15 pounds
Silvercreek Elementary: 689 pounds - Breakfast Food Drive
Adolfson & Peterson Construction: 400 meal kits with recipes!
Reach out to set up a fun, summer-themed food drive with your group or business and help us continue nourishing our community all season long. We’ll provide ideas, flyers, and collection bins!
Email Tiffany@foodforhope.net for next steps!
What's Happening at Food for Hope?
Tuesday, May 26 from 6pm-8pm - Chicken N Pickle Thornton
Dining Night Out and Kick Off to Summer! Join us for a fun night out with Summer giveaways! All food purchases will benefit Food for Hope. And who knows? Maybe some staff members will jump on the Pickle courts with you for a match!
Would you help share our story?
This summer, as Food for Hope continues to grow and thrive, you can help extend our impact. Sharing is a powerful way to support Food for Hope, and we need community partners like you to help us. Share the word with the company you work with and ask, "do you partner with local nonprofits in the community"?
By sharing this newsletter, our website, or our social media pages with friends, family, and coworkers, you are helping our story reach new places and new people. It only takes a moment, but it can open the door to new supporters, new partnerships, and fresh possibilities. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community one shared connection at a time.
Food for Hope Social Media: @FoodforHopeCO
