It’s no secret that many local families have been struggling with the costs that come with putting food on the table. In a community survey analysis Healthy Archuleta conducted this year, we found that nearly one-third of the population in our county is worried about not being able to afford food over the next year. This survey also found that one-quarter of county residents are just getting by financially. This highlights that some people in our community are struggling to get by financially and are worried about where their next meal will come from.
The local food pantries have been serving many of our community members throughout the year. Food insecurity is especially prevalent during the holiday season, which is why it’s so important to help our neighbors in need of extra support this time of year. Luckily, we live in a community that greatly understands this need and have, therefore, stepped up to meet it this holiday season. Throughout the season, organizations have hosted food drives in support of the Archuleta Food Pantry Network to help many local families and individuals put food on the table.
The Archuleta Food Pantry Network is made up of seven local food pantries in the county. The pantries located in Pagosa Springs include the Community United Methodist Church food pantry, Pope John Paul II Catholic Church food pantry, St. Patrick Episcopal Church food pantry, Socorro Senior Housing food pantry, and Our Community Eats food pantry. The Amazing Grace Community Church food pantry is located in Aspen Springs, while the TARA Community Center food pantry is located in Arboles. All of these food pantries have seen an increase in people relying on them for food support this year, and it is no different this holiday season.
Just a few days before Thanksgiving, LPEA, in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, held a food drive in support of the Food Pantry Network. This food drive took place at Natural Grocers and City Market. Thanks to the efforts of all the volunteers and food pantry coordinators that day, 2,015 pounds of food was donated, and $280 in cash was collected. A few days later, on December 8, our local RE/MAX Eagle’s Nest office also held a food drive in support of our food pantry network. They collected 229 food items for distribution among the seven local food pantries. Pagosa Springs Middle School has also been hosting a food drive throughout the month. Students have enjoyed being able to donate food items and support the local pantries.
Healthy Archuleta would like to acknowledge LPEA/IBEW, Andrea Pettier and RE/MAX Eagle’s Nest, and Pagosa Springs Middle School for their generosity towards the community. We are very grateful to be able to live in a community where neighbors look out for each other and support one another’s needs. This generosity will help families have a brighter and more secure holiday season.
To learn more about the efforts of Healthy Archuleta, please visit our website at www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org or email us at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com