Year established as a nonprofit: 2012

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

We provide food to nutritionally underserved residents of Ouray County

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2023?

Through community support we’ve met the increasing demand for food assistance in Ouray County, including special holiday meals. On average, our 30 volunteers contribute about 1,433 hours per year.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2024?

We would like to have more young community members volunteer and share the rewards of serving others and the joy of participating with other volunteers.

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

We depend on the community for monetary and food donations as well as for volunteer support.

To make a tax-deductible donation, checks can be mailed to Ouray County Food Pantry at P.O. Box 903, Ridgway, CO 81432. Or we have an online portal through the website at ouraycountyfoodpantry.org.

The food pantry is operated exclusively by volunteers – there are no paid staff members.

Volunteers are needed for general help during food distribution, including volunteers who can deliver food boxes to those who cannot make it to the pantry. Volunteers are also needed for grounds maintenance, including general care of the property.

The food pantry is open every Thursday from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and accepts donations during those hours.

Using monetary donations, we are able to purchase a variety of shelf-stable items in bulk from the Food Bank of the Rockies, including canned vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, fruit and pasta.

We can also accept donations of household supplies, including dish and laundry soap, paper towels, cleaning products and toilet paper. Personal care items including soap and shampoo, lotions and deodorants, toothpaste, toothbrushes and adult disposable underwear are also accepted for donation.

Our clients also appreciate items that are seldom available, including condiments, breads, crackers, beverages, cereals and pantry staples including sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, baking mixes, oils and spices. All of these need to be within date and unopened for distribution. Dried fruits and nuts are also appreciated.

We cannot distribute expired or open items, so please check dates and containers before donating.

Visit ouraycountyfoodpantry.org for more details and to sign up for volunteering.

Thank you to Bev Angehrn for providing this information.