It’s no secret that food insecurity is a very real factor for many of our San Luis Valley communities. Fear, uncertainty and concern were common talking points in many of our SLV households leading up to the government shutdown in October 2025. For many families in the San Luis Valley, the disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits created immediate anxiety about how to put food on the table.
In response, passionate local hearts and minds came together to turn concern into action. Through a collaborative effort involving food donations, volunteers, funding support and community partnership, a three-month food security program was established at Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley (BGCSLV). The program was designed to provide immediate, practical relief to individuals and families affected by the loss or delay of benefits.
Facilitated at BGCSLV sites throughout the Valley, the program focused on distributing pre-assembled food bags filled with essential meal staples. These bags included shelf-stable items and ingredients that could be used to prepare multiple meals at home. Over the course of three months, BGCSLV helped feed more than 1,800 individuals through the program. For many households, the food bags helped bridge the gap during a period of uncertainty, reducing stress and providing a sense of stability.
Volunteers played a critical role in the program’s success. Volunteers from the Woman’s Citizenship Club, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the SLV Teen Prevention Coalition, and BGCSLV dedicated time to sorting food orders, packing food boxes, and assisting with distribution. Local partners, such as Alamosa Home and SLV Community Foundation, contributed funding and in-kind support, while Care & Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado helped ensure a steady supply of donated and funded food items. Together, these efforts demonstrated the strength of community-driven solutions in times of crisis.
While the SNAP disruptions emphasized vulnerabilities within the food system, the response in the San Luis Valley showed what is possible when communities work together. As more rural communities across the United States continue to face economic and logistical challenges, initiatives like this serve as a reminder that local partnerships, compassion, and coordinated action can make a meaningful difference, especially when families need it most.