“We genuinely care about our communities and our customers,” said Craig who overseas Farm Bureau Insurance offices in each of the counties supported by the delivery. According to Craig, Farm Bureau Insurance companies in six states including Colorado are also jointly donating $2.3 million to help local food banks in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Farm Bureau volunteers arrive in Cortez with pallets of food and supplies
COLORADO FARM BUREAU TEAMS UP WITH LOCAL FOOD BANK
The local Durango Food Bank helped broker a semi-load shipment of food and essentials for delivery this week; but food bank Executive Director, Sarah Smith, was then faced with a distribution challenge. A good portion of the incoming supplies needed to be shared with other food resource hubs, including Montezuma and Archuleta Counties.
“The food bank was in need of volunteers willing to roll up their sleeves and roll in with a fleet of trucks to help deliver food and diapers and supplies,” said Charly Minkler, “and that need matched perfectly to the Farm Bureau.” Minkler, who is President of the La Plata County Farm Bureau, coordinated the food delivery effort with Smith. According to Minkler, the volunteers were able to distribute the food immediately rather than waiting days for delivery through normal channels. Local Farm Bureau leadership participants included Byron Porter, President of the San Juan Basin Farm Bureau; Phillis Snyder who serves on the Colorado Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors; and Mark Craig who is the southwest agency manager for Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance which is a primary benefactor to the Farm Bureau organization.
On Thursday morning (04/23/2020) flatbeds, dually trucks, and pickups with trailers driven by local farmers and ranchers and Farm Bureau members and employees lined up and down the road outside the Durango Food Bank ready to help. The Farm Bureau volunteers wrapped pallets and hand-loaded boxes, and volunteers from Milligan Honey Farms even showed up with their own forklift which expedited the operation.
“We genuinely care about our communities and our customers,” said Craig who overseas Farm Bureau Insurance offices in each of the counties supported by the delivery. According to Craig, Farm Bureau Insurance companies in six states including Colorado are also jointly donating $2.3 million to help local food banks in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
For many who volunteered it was the first time they’d seen each other in weeks due to social distancing. “I wish you could know how much I’m smiling on the other side of this mask,” said Chrissy Wright. Wright, who ranches in Ignacio on the southern border of La Plata County, delivered a very large and much-needed pallet of essentials to Silverton on the northern border.
“We’re all happy to help,” said Minkler, “putting food on the table is what we do as farmers and ranchers— plus it’s part of the Farm Bureau’s founding mission. I’m really glad we could be of service.” Minkler, President of the La Plata County Farm Bureau, is also an unaffiliated candidate running for the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners, District 3.
ABOVE PHOTO CAPTION: Sarah Smith, Executive Director of Durango Food Bank (left), and Charly Minkler, President of La Plata County Farm Bureau (right), coordinate on local food delivery effort for individuals and families in need. (No credit needed for any photos—full release for use in this context)
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this is such an amazing kindness that doing with other in this tough time. thanks for sharing this article, its really inspired others to help others.