On December 3, 2025, volunteers at Pueblo Cooperative Care were all smiles as they unloaded 26 pallets of donated food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This generous donation included 1,426 cases of nonperishable food items like flour, rice, pasta, beans, and peanut butter, all aimed at supporting the community’s food distribution efforts.
Pueblo Cooperative Care is the largest emergency assistance nonprofit in southern Colorado, serving around 4,000 households and 5,500 individuals each month. The organization relies on support from various churches, businesses, and community members to meet its goals. Recipients can visit its distribution center for food assistance, either by driving through or walking up.
Stephanie Walker, the Executive Director of Pueblo Cooperative Care, emphasized the importance of such donations, stating they reflect a partnership rooted in compassion. She acknowledged that this support helps fill gaps in food supply during challenging times, allowing families to focus their limited resources on other essential needs, such as housing and medical care.
Recent statistics show a growing trend in food insecurity across the United States. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food security rates dropped significantly during the pandemic but have not fully recovered. Organizations like Pueblo Cooperative Care are vital in bridging this gap, especially as many families continue to struggle.
During the delivery, driven by a fierce snowstorm, volunteers rushed to unload the truck and quickly place the items on shelves. Bruce Dwelle, the church’s regional Welfare manager, oversaw the operation.
Volunteer Denton Jorgensen, who joined the organization after wanting to help with his excess garden produce, described the stark realities of food needs in the area. He witnessed a young couple braving the cold just to pick up food for their children. “It’s heartbreaking,” Jorgensen said, highlighting the urgent necessity of community support.
Walker stressed that these donations not only provide food but also bring hope and dignity to those in need. The spirit of giving during this season shines through volunteers and donors alike, reminding everyone of the power of community.
For more information on food security efforts and resources, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
