Each spring, something powerful happens across our region. Neighbors come together through the Big Day of Giving to lift up local nonprofits—and this year, Twin Lakes Food Bank is inviting our community to be part of that story once again. From April 23 through May 7, every gift made through the Big Day of Giving platform has the chance to go even further—multiplied through matching funds and special incentives—as we work toward our $75,000 goal.
This year, a significant portion of that goal will go directly toward something many of us might take for granted — fresh, perishable food. Our hungry neighbors need nutritious essentials to sustain their families—milk for their children, eggs for breakfast, bread on the table, and butter to bring it all together.
As Elizabeth Martin, our Operations Manager, shares: “Between the community service food drive and other local food drives, our warehouse is stocked with nonperishable items. However, we must purchase essential items such as fresh milk, cheese, and butter that our guests can count on receiving on a regular basis. As the cost-of-living increases, so does the need among our guests.”
Last year alone, Twin Lakes Food Bank served more than 35,000 individuals—1,400 more than the year before. Behind each number is a story, a family, a moment where support made all the difference. A working mom with overwhelming medical bills recently shared, “If Twin Lakes Food Bank wasn’t here for me to get groceries once a month for my family of four, Iwouldn’t be able to make ends meet.”
Beyond food, we are also looking to ways that we can better serve every person who walks through our doors. As Guest Coordinator, Lindsay Olson shares, “What we do at the food bank to support local families is vital—but how we do it matters just as much. We are committed to creating a dignified and welcoming experience for every guest, beginning with the moment they arrive. Currently, guests who wait in our courtyard before entering, often times are managing the challenges of heat and rain.”
So, $15,000 of our overall goal will be used to install a shade awning in the guest courtyard. It will create relief from the intense summer heat where guests currently wait on hot asphalt. It’s a simple improvement that can make a meaningful difference in comfort, safety, and dignity.
Additionally, we hope to raise $12,000 to install produce stands for the outdoor produce tent. This space is one of the most impactful parts of the guest experience—but right now, it creates bottlenecks that slow down both guests and volunteers. With an improved layout and updated tables, we can create a smoother, more welcoming experience for each person we serve.
Twin Lakes Food Bank is inviting the community help reach the $75,000 goal by making a donation on May 7 to https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/twinlakesfoodbank.
Together, we can turn small acts of generosity into lasting impact.
