Food Sovereignty
Plant-A-Row Volunteers and Partners Strengthen Food Security One Neighborhood at a Time
“Folks used to have to drive all the way to Gunnison if they needed food bank services,” Viki Harris, Food Distribution Coordinator for the Somerset Food Pantry commented when asked about the history of the facility. Somerset, located on CO 133 - the West Elk Scenic Byway- is a historic coal-mining community a few miles below the Paonia Reservoir and the junction to Kebler Pass. Although it is only about ten miles up valley from Paonia, because Somerset is located in Gunnison County, residents were often required to travel long distances to access county facilities to serve them, over the pass in the summer and fall, and even further the other half of the year.
The Colorado Farm & Food Alliance is in our second season of the Plant-A-Row project, a part of the Just Good Food campaign. This project coordinates donations to area pantries of fresh, local produce from our dedicated volunteer growers who are the heart of the project. And new this year, is our Equity Garden and Incubator Plot where we are also growing a large diversity of produce to share. We make produce from our garden available both through this project, and for use with other nonprofits and community groups that are also helping to feed people in the community.
Also central to this project are the dedicated people that manage food distribution at area pantries. We wanted to mention a few of the facilities we are working with this year, and encourage everyone to give them a hand if you are able, or to reach out if you have a need.
Somerset Food Pantry
The Somerset pantry arose during COVID when a few long-time locals banded together with the Ragged Mountain Fire Department and set up a weekly food distribution service. They distribute food every Tuesday from 2-4 PM. The Somerset Food Bank is one of three facilities that the Colorado Farm & Food Alliance’s Plant A Row program is honored to serve this season.
As an organization, the Colorado Farm & Food Alliance believes in supporting local leaders who are already doing good work in the community. By partnering with local food distribution centers on the Western Slope, we can help minimize food waste and maximize the amount of fresh produce that gets to the people who need the nourishment most.
Paonia Food Pantry
Dave Bartlett is another community hero who volunteers his time with the Paonia Food Pantry behind Paonia Christian Fellowship Church, distributing on the first Wednesday of each month from 9-11 AM. Dave understands that everyone goes through difficult and transitional times and that it’s important to offer support to neighbors when they find themselves in need.
Virginia Woolf writes, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food is not only essential, it is one of the bridges that brings people together. Sharing food feels good, and it provides a sense of nourishment and warmth. Sharing food is to share vital energy that helps everyone reach their full potential. Dave enjoys offering non-judgemental support and his time to the mission of nourishing Paonia. He was delighted by the fresh vegetables and also mentioned that the Beanie Weenies are quick to go and popular with the Paonia crowd.
Delta Food Pantry
Our third partnership is with the Delta Food Pantry that operates out of St Michaels Catholic Church. The pantry offers distribution Monday-Friday from 10:30-11:30 AM. It is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who always admire the tomatoes and cucumbers that the Plant a Row project provides. We have been working with the Delta Food Pantry for two seasons now and are impressed by their dedication, and know that they offer a vital service for many families in Delta County.
Elizabeth Agee manages the Just Good Food campaign for the Colorado Farm and Food Alliance, and developed the Plant-A-Row project in 2020. It is now in its second year. She says it has been humbling and rewarding to hear the stories of the food distributors who donate their time and energy to ensuring that their neighbors always have access to food. Boots on the ground, these individuals are building local solutions to help their communities thrive and become more food secure.
