About Us
Feeding our community through our community.
About Us
Opened in 2009, the pantry began in a small storage room at a local church and was supported solely by the church. With just 250 square feet of shopping space and 600 square feet of storage, it was a modest beginning. For the first two years, the pantry was led by one individual with the help of a small group of volunteers. Under this leadership, additional donors were identified, and food donations steadily increased.
As the pantry grew, it quickly outgrew its original space and decided to become completely independent from the church, and filed to become its own 501c3. We then relocated to a 5,000-square-foot building in May 2023. In 2024, Our Community Eats was generously gifted a permanent home at 197 Navajo Trail Drive in Pagosa Springs. Today, more than 45 volunteers support pantry operations each week.
Our Vision
We envision a community where food security is a reality for everyone—creating a healthier, safer, and more vibrant place to live. No one should experience the physical pain of hunger or the emotional stress of not knowing where their next meal will come from.
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that all people in our community have reliable access to nutritious food. We serve with dignity and compassion, working collaboratively to alleviate the heavy burden of food insecurity so individuals and families can thrive.
We also partner with these two food insecurity programs.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) a.k.a SENIOR BOXES
This is a federal program that provides seniors living on a restricted income, ages 60 and up, with extra food each month, at no cost. An individual is required to register and qualify for this monthly senior box.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
This is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people living on a restricted income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. This food is received and distributed through our pantry. It is also “select for yourself” shopping. You choose the foods out of the TEFAP sections that you would like to take home.
We have been vetted by the following organizations to provide volunteer opportunities for their beneficiaries:
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in.”
- Jesus
Core Values
Dignity and Respect
We believe every person deserves to feel valued and acknowledged. In Archuleta County,
where 1 in 15 residents visits a food pantry weekly, we are committed to serving with empathy
and respect.
Equity and Inclusion
All people—regardless of background, walk of life, or culture—are welcome. We strive to create
an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
Compassionate Service
Food insecurity is a profound challenge. We are here to serve with care, understanding, and a
commitment to easing this burden whenever possible.
Community Strength
We believe that without food there can be no energy, no employment, and no economy.
Nourishing people strengthens families, supports local stability, and builds a resilient community.
Stewardship and Collaboration
Through responsible distribution and strong partnerships, we maximize resources to ensure
food reaches those who need it most.
Impact In Numbers
(2025)
3,000 families fed per month
Distributed an amount of food that yielded an estimated 334,800 meals in one year.
$129,000 worth of food donated and dispersed on average each month
Partnerships with 20+ Colorado-based farms, ranchers, and producers
Food distributed to individuals within a 40-mile radius
2,700 sq ft space for patrons to collect what they need without feeling cramped or rushed
Supported by 45 dedicated volunteers who consistently give their time and energy