Here in Archuleta County, our food pantry network is made up of six independently operated pantries. These include Amazing Grace Community Church (Aspen Springs), Community United Methodist Church (Downtown Pagosa), Pope John Paul II Catholic Church (Uptown Pagosa), Restoration Fellowship Church (Uptown Pagosa), St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church (Uptown Pagosa), and TARA Community Center (Arboles). Together these pantries work to serve the community by securing and offering foods that are healthy and wholesome. To support a more sustainable and equitable food system the food pantry network is working to source many foods locally in Archuleta County and from farmers and producers in the region.
Amazing Grace Community Church food pantry in Aspen Springs recently received a grant so they can purchase local and regional food to benefit the local food system while also prioritizing fresher and more nutritious food for community members. Food pantry coordinator Dawn Farrar shared, “we are currently looking into a direct source for eggs if one becomes available. We are also in contact with a regional cooperative who has contacts with Colorado farmers and ranchers and in turn works with the buyers to distribute what the farmers and ranchers are able to deliver.”
At the Restoration Fellowship Church food pantry, community members are also able to find a variety of locally sourced foods like quinoa from the San Luis Valley and eggs from Montrose, Colorado. Feedback from clients has included much enthusiasm and enjoyment by all. Food pantry coordinator Katherine Solbert said, “we are always looking for opportunities to support local growers, farmers, and ranchers because we know local food is often more nutritious than foods that are shipped thousands of miles. We are taking steps where we can to prioritize and increase access to locally raised, affordable nutritious foods.”
All six food pantries in Archuleta County are consistently endeavoring to provide healthy food to our community. Sourcing from local and regional growers/producers will further enhance a more resilient and sustainable food system. We honor the hard work of the six food pantries and appreciate their work toward supporting our community toward nutrition security and health equity. The food pantry network welcomes anyone to visit the pantries and encourages the community to pick up these free foods.
To learn more about the hours of operation and locations of the six food pantries please visit https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/food-pantry-network.html. For more information please email fsfearchuleta@gmail.com or call 401-371-3227
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.