Written by Steven Williams, Program Director

From February to April, Care and Share hosted three dynamic listening sessions across our service area. At the heart of these gatherings was a shared mission—to amplify the voices of our neighbors and glean invaluable insights into their experiences accessing our network. Thanks to the generous support of Feeding Colorado and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Medicaid Neighbor Engagement Grant, we were able to honor the time and expertise of our neighbors by compensating them for their invaluable contributions. This practice not only underscores our commitment to inclusivity but also serves as a testament to the profound impact of community collaboration.

Throughout these sessions, participants shared profound insights, illuminating the pathways toward a brighter, more equitable future. Neighbors voiced aspirations for improved communication, access to healthier food options, and the cultivation of more respectful interactions within our pantries. Moreover, they shed light on the broader systemic challenges—such as rising living costs and bureaucratic barriers—that perpetuate food insecurity. These discussions underscored the urgent need for collective action and advocacy to address these entrenched issues, paving the way for transformative change.

Building on these invaluable learnings, Care and Share is prepared to embark on a groundbreaking initiative—the development of the State of Access report. This comprehensive report will amplify the voices of our neighbors, spotlighting their experiences and offering actionable recommendations to enhance our services and effect meaningful change. We will advocate at both the state and federal levels to alleviate the challenges faced by our communities and reduce the distressful lines outside our food pantries, meal sites, schools, churches, and community centers.

If you share our vision for a more inclusive and equitable future and are interested in hosting a listening session in your community, we invite you to contact our Programs Director, Steven Williams, at stevenw@careandshare.org. Your partnership is not only welcomed but essential as we continue our collective journey toward a hunger-free Southern Colorado.