As the largest food bank in the Rocky Mountain Region, the Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) is familiar to many. Established in 1978, it is a non-profit organization that supplies food through direct distribution and their Hunger Relief Partners. Volunteers sort through donated items, pack small and large pallet orders, and distribute food on the docks or at mobile pantries. Many hands contribute to the 180,000-plus meals they provide every day. SMA has a longstanding partnership with FBR, which includes annual service days and regular student service placements. 
 
One of our seniors, Chloe Poore, began volunteering at the FBR during Grade 9 and, as she put it, “has built a beautiful community there” over the last four years. One of Chloe’s favorite areas is on the dock, helping load food into trucks for smaller organizations to distribute to their communities and assisting people who purchase food for their families. Chloe’s service expanded to mobile pantries, where she worked with other volunteers to pack and organize food boxes and load them into families’ cars.

The experience gave Chloe a different perspective: “It allows you to see firsthand whom you are helping, and you get to witness people's true appreciation. When working at mobile pantries, I enjoyed talking with the people we were giving food to because they were so incredibly grateful for something I’m fortunate enough never to worry about. Nice cars and clothes don’t matter. Everyone is equal, and I met some of the most genuine people. I was so lucky to see the true, authentic character of the people we were helping, and they reminded me of what is truly important in life. They were so kind and positive despite challenges, and so many people could learn from them.”

We all face difficulties daily, and hardships often reveal people’s true nature. The most notable among us have a positive and grateful perspective despite their daily realities. Chloe especially valued the meaningful conversations and connections they brought to her life. “Many of them created light in what many would see as a dark space. They take advantage of what they have, appreciate what they are given, and spread true joy because they are content where they are. They are kind humans.” 

Once Chloe was old enough and began volunteering alone, she had to confront her fears of being in an environment without friends or family and embrace the new people around her. Everyone has a different motivation to volunteer, and Chloe loved hearing the stories of how others landed at FBR. She started noticing her service requirement shifting from a to-do list task to an opportunity for meaningful character building. 

Being a teenager isn’t always easy, and priorities sometimes become blurry. Chloe was especially influenced by regular volunteers who experienced hardships in the past but have turned their lives around and dedicated themselves to helping others. “One shift, I met this older man named Jon and I will never forget the conversations I had with him. It was clear he didn’t have a clean past, but I trusted who he was in the present. He gave me genuine advice and told me the joys he gets from volunteering each week.” The hours Chloe spent volunteering alongside Jon made an impression on her that will last a lifetime. 

FBR “ignites the power of community to nourish people facing hunger.” Serving alongside others can break down barriers and help us find common ground. Chloe remembers volunteering with a woman recovering from alcoholism last summer. Witnessing her progress over the months gave Chloe perspective and hope during her own personal challenges. The two shared stories and compassion, growing closer with every shift. While their paths likely never would have crossed outside of FBR, they found community in each other, sharing resilience and strength while serving others.

Initially focusing on service as a requirement in ninth grade, Chloe’s early experiences at FBR were unexciting and transactional. “But these last couple of summers shined a new light on how important service is for building my character and creating a more rounded view of the world.” Chloe genuinely enjoys every shift now and even attended a gala for the FBR. Her family caught the bug and have also become regular volunteers there. Chloe describes her volunteering as a journey that inspired her to stay rooted in love and remember that every person has a story. Chloe’s service helped shape her into who she is today and will always be a part of her life. “[Service is] not about doing it for school or your resume; it’s about the feeling you get when you know your hard work and time helps those who may never get the opportunities you have.” Service is about love, about growth. Service is about community.