As another year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to appreciate one of Archuleta County’s greatest strengths: the way our community shows up for one another. Whether it’s a neighbor checking in on an elder, families sharing food during hard times, or volunteers giving their time to keep local programs running, kindness is woven into daily life here.
At Healthy Archuleta, we feel grateful every day to work alongside residents, partners, and organizations who believe in caring for our community. In a rural county like ours, where resources are limited, and smaller nonprofits often compete with larger communities for state and national funding, collaboration isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. With your support, we continue serving as a connector in our local food and health ecosystem, strengthening the networks that help our neighbors thrive.
Over the past year, your generosity has fueled a wide range of efforts: supporting the Archuleta Food Pantry Network, organizing quarterly community food drives, purchasing and distributing local foods such as fresh produce and locally raised beef to food pantries, and tending the garden beds and workshops that bring people together through our community gardening and education programs. It has helped lift up youth leadership and mentorship opportunities, supported the work of the Archuleta Rural Health Network, and made possible community-wide events like the Archuleta Health Fair & Expo and the Archuleta Food Summit. These efforts, taken together, reflect your belief that everyone in our county deserves access to healthy food, meaningful connections, and pathways to wellbeing.
We also want to extend heartfelt thanks to the volunteers whose dedication keeps these community programs running. Their willingness to give their time, whether sorting food, assisting at events, supporting families, or stepping in wherever needed, makes this work possible. We are deeply grateful for all they do.
This year has reminded us once again that when challenges arise, rising food costs, unexpected interruptions in federal assistance, or family budgets stretched thin, Archuleta County moves forward by moving together. The compassion and determination we see in our neighbors every day give us hope for the year ahead.
As we look toward a new year, we invite you to remain part of this shared effort. Your financial contributions help sustain the community-driven programs that keep Archuleta County strong, nourished, and resilient. Your time, your voice, and your willingness to support one another carry that spirit even further.
To learn more about Healthy Archuleta or to make a year-end donation, please visit www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/donate.html. Thank you for believing in this community and for helping build a healthier, more connected future for all who call Archuleta County home.