In October, more than 1,400 people in Archuleta County relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help purchase food, with more than $266,000 in benefits distributed locally.
With November benefits currently on hold due to the federal government shutdown, many families are facing an immediate gap in food access.
Even in ordinary times, SNAP benefits often fall short of covering the full cost of a meal. In Archuleta County, the average meal costs about $4.16, while SNAP benefits provide only about $2.83 per meal — leaving a 47 percent gap that families must cover in other ways. This pause in benefits deepens the challenge, making community support more important than ever.
Healthy Archuleta is calling on residents to come together to help ensure no one goes without food during this difficult time.
Community members can play a vital role by donating nonperishable foods to the Archuleta Food Pantry Network, which accepts drop-offs at the UPS Store in Pagosa Springs, or by volunteering with local partner pantries to assist with food distribution. Financial contributions are especially impactful, as they allow pantries to purchase high-priority items such as meat, milk, eggs, fresh produce and culturally preferred foods.
By working with Healthy Archuleta, individuals also help strengthen a local, community-based food system where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit.
The Archuleta Food Pantry Network has long served as a backbone of food access in Archuleta County. Partner pantries are located throughout the county, including Community United Methodist Church and Socorro Senior Housing in downtown Pagosa; Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Aspen Springs; Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, and Our Community Eats in uptown Pagosa; and the TARA Community Center in Arboles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, these pantries expanded operations rapidly to meet surging demand, and they remain ready today to support families, seniors and individuals during this period of benefit disruption. The network thrives on community support, inviting residents to volunteer, donate food, or contribute funds that sustain this countywide effort.
In addition to pantry services, families can rely on school meals, which continue to be available at no cost to all students. These meals provide steady nutrition for children while SNAP benefits are on hold, ensuring students have the energy they need to focus on learning.
Other local programs are also working to meet needs.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. provides weekday meals through its Community Café at the Ross Aragon Community Center, with both dine-in (by reservation) and take-out options available. Its Meals on Wheels program delivers hot meals, plus sides, five days a week — and seven days a week upon request — to homebound adults aged 60 and older. Community members may call or text (970) 264-2167 to reserve meals or learn about volunteer opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continues to operate locally through the Archuleta County Public Health Department. WIC provides nutritious foods, breastfeeding support and nutrition education for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under 5. Families who qualify can continue to access WIC benefits during this period of SNAP disruption by calling (970) 264-2409 or visiting the Archuleta County Public Health Department website.
The Archuleta Food Pantry Network is prepared to meet increased demand, but community donations of food, funds and volunteer time are essential to filling the gap. Healthy Archuleta invites community organizations, groups and clubs to host food drives with their networks to support the Archuleta Food Pantry Network.
Healthy Archuleta maintains a list of most needed nonperishable items and can support your food drive with marketing, providing the shopping list and distributing the food through the Food Pantry Network. Please contact Healthy Archuleta at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com for support with hosting a food drive to support our neighbors in accessing food.
Healthy Archuleta will be hosting a community food drive on Saturday, Nov. 1, at City Market. The food drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please stop by to support our neighbors and make a donation during the food drive.
Every act of generosity makes a difference in ensuring that no one in Archuleta County goes without access to healthy meals. Healthy Archuleta encourages residents to share this information widely and to stand together in support of neighbors during this temporary disruption.
To learn more about the efforts of Healthy Archuleta, please visit our website at www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
