Five ways to feed families

ood insecurity is a real concern for families in the Four Corners. The USDA found that 10.5% of all households in the U.S in 2020 struggled with food insecurity. Households with children have a 4.3% increase over those without children.

In La Plata County, 11% of residents experience food insecurity.

While one person may not be able to help everyone, individuals can make a world of difference in the local community.

Donate food or funds. Get involved with Durango Food Bank or Pine River Shares. Both nonprofit organizations benefit from volunteers. Community members can help manage the pantry and stock items. Currently, the pantry in Durango is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for volunteering and always accepting donations.

The Pine River Shares program is currently getting backpacks for the school year to fill with food for kids, and is seeking donations. Pine River also offers a Freecycle Clother and Housewares program looking for clothing donations. A good way to get started with donations is by purchasing shelf-stable items when grocery shopping. Obtaining a few nonperishable items per grocery visit for those in need is an easy way to make a monthly donation. Alternatively, donate a portion of money each month to the local food bank, pantry or organization.

Plant a row in a community garden. Food pantries often face a short supply of fresh produce. Gardening is an excellent way to help those in need have access to healthier options. Once it is time to harvest, collect the items and donate them to the local food bank or pantry. Alternatively, Manna in Durango is encouraging community members without a green thumb to assist by participating in the on-going Grow-A-Row Fundraiser.

5Simply sponsor a row in the organization’s garden to help fight hunger in the Four Corners. See more information about this fundraiser on page 42. ways to feed families F Cook and serve meals. Enjoy cooking? Try getting involved with a nonprofit group, such as Lasagna Love. This unique experience encourages cooking by sending a comforting, nutritious meal to those

MORE FOOD ASSISTANCE in need. Individuals can volunteer to cook a meal and send that home-cooked meal to those in need. Nothing can beat a hot meal homemade with love.

SERVICES ARCHULETA Organize a fundraiser. Encourage and organize a fundraising event, such as a bake sale, food drive or penny drive, where donations benefit the local • Archuleta County Department food bank. Partner with local businesses, clubs and of Human Services other groups to engage a wider audience. Whether • Archuleta School District raising funds or non-perishable items for donation, • Community United fundraising allows community members to get Methodist Church involved and serve the community at large. • Loaves and Fishes • Restoration Fellowship Church • Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church • Tara Food Pantry Help harvest local produce. The region is abundant with fruit trees, and The Good Food Collective organizes weekly gleaning events during the harvest season. Gleaning events not only help to feed the community, but they reduce food waste

LA PLATA • 9R Backpack Program • Community Compassion Outreach and altercations with bears. Get involved in one of the group events, or organize an event in your own neighborhood. See more information online at www.goodfoodcollective.org. • Companeros • Igancio Senior Center • La Plata Department of Human Services • La Plata Family Centers Coalition • La Plata Senior Center • San Juan Basin Public Health

MONTEZUMA • Good Sam’s Food Pantry • Grace’s Community Kitchen • Mancos Food Share • Mancos School District • Montezuma School District

DURANGO FOOD BANK

WORKING TO FEED OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED

970-375-2672 DURANGOAREAFOODBANK.ORG DURANGOFOODBANK@DURANGO.NET PO BOX 156 • 194-C BODO DRIVE DURANGO, CO 81303

FEEDING FOOD INSECURE RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT LA PLATA COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES SINCE 1977.

OUR PROGRAMS: • Self-Select Food Pantry • Curbside Emergency Food Box Pick Up • Home Deliveries (Elderly, Disabled, etc.) • USDA Commodities (TEFAP) • USDA Senior Program (CSFP) • Community Garden • Pet Food Pantry

39% of the La Plata County families experiencing food insecure DO NOT qualify for public assistance programs and are relying on charitable response to feed their families.