Depending on circumstances, the holidays can evoke a range of emotions from joy to anxiety. Fueling the state of anxiety for many is the uncertainty of having food available for themselves and their families.
Sadly, the fear of hunger extends beyond the holidays. With more than 47 million people in the United States facing hunger and the most recent poverty rate in Archuleta County tracking at 8.2 percent, hunger is a reality many living in our county face.
Luckily, for Archuleta County residents who need assistance putting food on their table, there are seven food pantries that make it their mission to feed the hungry.
While not all are affiliated with a Christian organization, the outreach offered by the independently run food pantries is directly in line with Jesus’ message to feed the hungry (Matthew 24: 35-40). Compassion and dedication define the volunteers who keep the pantries open.
According to a representative of the FSFE-Food Coalition, also known as Healthy Archuleta, more than 1,000 individuals are served per week in Archuleta County.
Serving those in need are five food pantries in Pagosa Springs, one pantry in Aspen Springs and one pantry in Arboles. With exception of Sunday, food is distributed at one or more locations Monday through Saturday.
Other than a couple holiday closures, the pantries are open year-round and transportation options are available through Archuleta County Mountain Express Transit at archuletacounty.org.
As a grassroot community effort that is determined to meet the growing needs within our county, the pantries depend on local support to keep their shelves stocked. Donations are welcomed throughout the year with special needs during the holidays (such as pie filling, stuffing, gravy, canned corn, cranberry sauce, etc.).
For those wishing to donate food, you may contact the food pantries or leave nonperishable food in the bin located at the UPS Store near City Market. The Food Coalition will distribute donations among the seven locations.
To donate your talents, funds, fresh produce, USDA processed beef or to learn more about the programs offered by the FSFE-Food Coalition, email fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
If you are in need of food, the seven pantries are here to help. For a list of food pantries, including distribution days and hours, visit foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
As a special treat, in addition to many food pantries distributing Thanksgiving meal supplies during their regular hours, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church is hosting a free Community Thanksgiving take-home meal on Thursday, Nov. 21. Prepared meals, infused with joy, will be available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 451 Lewis St.
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