Agency Spotlight: La Plata Family Center Durango, CO

January 14, 2022

We’re grateful to be able to partner with La Plata Family Center to provide wholesome food to neighbors in Durango. La Plata Family Center runs a community food pantry. They are striving to meet the challenge of local food equity issues that growing families in the area have faced since the Covid Pandemic began. La Plata Family Center has designed their food programs around direct input from their community. The pantry is available to any community member, without proof of income or other requirements.

Due to Covid protocols, people must wait at the door for a pre-made food box. They are working on a way for individuals to choose food items online and make food more accessible.

Families are also concerned about high rates of diabetes and obesity. They want more fresh foods, and more culturally appropriate foods and currently lean heavily on Care and Share for fresh produce. Having operated a seasonal garden for over 10 years, they desire to provide families with fresh options year-round. With this goal in mind, the team is now creating infrastructure on existing farmland in order to grow food to span all seasons.

Additionally, the Center works with local schools to ensure families have access to pantry items. They offer food at most of their events, and host food-specific events. Food is delivered weekly to several underserved neighborhoods through the Parent Leader network. This regular contact opens doors to deeper relationships, which in turn, meets more needs.

“At the La Plata Family Center, we are passionate about feeding people. Many of these efforts are possible through our partnership with Care and Share. Thank you!” -Christina Knickerbocker