Isolation, poverty, geographic expanse, and limited economic opportunities give way to vast inequities throughout the San Luis Valley. As a symptom of these systemic issues, food insecurity is widespread. More and more families are turning to emergency food pantries as part of their long-term strategies to meet monthly shortfalls in food. An average of 1 in 4 living in the San Luis Valley utilize the Food Bank Network at some point during the year. Oftentimes, individuals who walk through our doors are not looking for handouts; they are looking for tools to help improve their situations. It is for this reason that the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley remains necessary.

The primary avenue in which the Food Bank Network meets needs is through emergency food assistance, offering anyone in need of food assistance access to groceries free-of-charge. Staff members work hard to support clients in making healthier choices by providing fresh produce and nutrient-dense foods for those facing hunger. In addition to providing food, the Food Bank Network offers access to educational resources such as SNAP benefits and nutrition education so individuals and families can get the most abundant and healthiest options for their budgets.

At the Alamosa Food Pantry, the hub of the Food Bank Network, donations of perishable food from food retailers are received on a regular basis, ranging from daily to weekly. These donations are supplemented by the generous support of individuals and businesses who organize food drives or donate food as they are able; we work in partnership with farmers who allow us to glean harvest that is left behind in their fields. These local resources account for a large portion of the food we distribute.

The Food Bank Network also partners with its regional food bank, Care and Share, to offer further assistance for folks in need through the distribution of surplus commodities. Surplus commodities derive from a federal nutrition program called the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) which is managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Food delivered by Care and Share through TEFAP helps supplement the variety of food San Luis Valley residents receive from La Puente’s food pantries and is free-of-charge; the Food Bank Network’s Commodities Warehouse is located at 8735 Independence Drive | Alamosa, CO 81101. For those in need of food assistance, TEFAP distribution occurs monthly, every fourth Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. For inquiries, please contact the Food Bank Network’s main line for assistance. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Read the Full Nondiscrimination Statement here

• Coordinate a Food Drive: Food drives allow us to provide a variety of goods on our shelves, allowing clients to pick from greater options. If you would like to hold a food drive for the Food Bank Network please call (719) 589-4567.
• Make a Monetary Donation: Financial donations allow us to meet the most urgent need, whether purchasing food or covering gas for pickups.
• Grow a Row: Dedicate part of your own garden; access to fresh produce is crucial as we strive to provide nutritious foods for the clients of our Food Bank Network.
  
• Volunteer: We can always use volunteers! If interested, please call La Puente’s Volunteer Coordination office at (719) 587-3499 to learn about special events and volunteer opportunities.

In addition, the Food Bank Network also partners with Feeding America, offering further assistance for folks in need through the distribution of surplus commodities from Care and Share in Colorado Springs. Surplus commodities derive from a federal nutrition program called the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Food delivered by Care and Share through TEFAP, helps supplement the variety of food San Luis Valley residents receive from La Puente’s food pantries and is free-of-charge; the Food Bank Network’s Commodities Warehouse is located at 8735 Independence Drive | Alamosa, CO 81101. For those in need of food assistance, TEFAP distribution occurs monthly, every fourth Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. For inquiries, please contact the Food Bank Network’s main line for assistance.