Amid the chill of a November evening, community volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club in Alamosa gathered outside with a van full of food boxes. They were ready to distribute 70 boxes in Alamosa and 30 more across the San Luis Valley. Their mission? To provide meals over the next six weeks as winter deepens.
Boys & Girls Club co-director Aaron Miltenberger shared, “We aim to keep this going as long as funding allows.”
The initiative was sparked by the uncertainty surrounding federal nutritional assistance during the government shutdown. It all started when Hunter Jack from Alamosa Home Furniture proposed the idea of distributing food. Jason Medina from the Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley joined in, helping to secure funding to purchase food from Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado. With their support, the Boys & Girls Club became a certified pantry, allowing them to source the food.
Each box contains staples for three to four meals, including local potatoes—all sourced through donations. Remarkably, even the boxes were donated.
As families left family night at the club, Jonathan Hazard reached out, offering each of them a free food box. Everyone accepted, and any leftover boxes will be kept at the club for distribution throughout the week.
Miltenberger describes this effort as “one of those Valley stories.” It’s an inspiring example of community resilience and support during tough times.
Recent Trends in Food Assistance
Similar initiatives are sprouting across the nation. According to Feeding America, food insecurity rates spiked to 10.5% in the U.S. in 2021, affecting millions. Local programs like the one in Alamosa are crucial during these challenging times. Many users on social media have expressed gratitude, showcasing how such initiatives make a significant difference in their lives.
Research shows that communities that mobilize to support their own can alleviate hunger effectively. Programs that foster local partnerships, like the one created by the Boys & Girls Club, are vital in ensuring families receive the help they need.
For more on food assistance efforts, you can refer to Feeding America’s latest report.
This story illustrates the power of community action and the importance of supporting one another, especially during harder seasons.
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Aaron Miltenberger,Alamosa Home Furniture,Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley,Community Foundation of the San Luis Valley,Community News
