St James Episcopal Church - Taos, New Mexico
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Food Pantry Ministries

Rusty Gaston  - Acting Dir. of Food Pantry Ministries
taosfoodpantry@gmail.com


FOOD PANTRY 
Food Pantry is open every Thursday.  
Volunteers begin between 9, and 9:30 am.  Announcements, blessing, and lunch for workers at 11:30 am. 
                    Food distribution from 12:30 pm to 3:45 pm. Please approach the parking lot on Gusdorf Road driving from south to north.                                                                                                                                                         
Volunteer to help

​TaosNews Feature Article 27 August 2020
PictureUnloading truck with food for distribution
     At St James Food Pantry we are committed to providing free healthy food to anyone in need.  You are welcome to receive food, regardless of your citizenship, immigration status, ethnicity,
​or sexual orientation.  Our volunteers speak English and Spanish. Members of the Pueblo are often available to assist Elders who speak Tewa.   
     Food Distribution begins at Noon each Thursday, except the week between Christmas and
New Year, when Taos Feeds Taos hosts a community wide Food Pantry.  If you have an
​urgent need for food when the Pantry is closed, email TaosFoodPantry@gmail.com and arrangements will be made when possible.
     Volunteers from every part of Taos and the surrounding region contribute time, effort, and support in the fight to avoid hunger. The Food Pantry relies on several fundraising activities
each year and 100 percent Volunteer Teams to operate the Food Pantry.
     Each Monday Volunteers package food staples, primarily beans, rice, and oats, for distribution
the following Thursday.  During the week, baked goods and shelf stable items are donated by area store managers.  Volunteers pick up the donations and store items at The Food Pantry for Thursday distribution.
     ​On Thursday mornings teams of strong Volunteers work to unload cases of canned goods.  Perishables such as onions, potatoes, and tomatoes are unpacked from case lots and repackaged
for families of 4-6 people.   The Volunteer kitchen prepares a healthy lunch for the workers to enjoy before the distribution. 

How we Help

  • Offer food 51 weeks of the year
  • Serve 350-450 families weekly
  • Provide 2-3 meals per week to an average of 350+ families consisting of 1,500+ people/week
  • In 2020, approximately 150 school children received supplemental weekend food through our backpacks program.
  • Special foods at Thanksgiving and Christmas, including turkeys and hams.
  • Distributed more than 350 TONS of food in 2021

Why a Food Pantry?

New Mexico ranks first in childhood hunger. Our school district does not provide free lunches to all kids.
Our client incomes are $600-700 per month and 65% are retired or disabled.

Who Helps?
Three major financial donors and 70 wonderful helpers on Monday and Thursdays. THANK YOU!

DONATE!
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​Empty Bowls

     The Empty Bowl Project is an annual fund raising event for the Food Pantry. With the purchase of a ticket for a meal of soup, participants can select a handmade bowl which was donated by a local potter. Local restaurants donate their signature soups for the event.  
     A silent auction which includes arts and crafts was developed in the second year of the event. A Premier Party was added as a related but separate event in the 5th year which offers higher ticket auction items. This it the 12th successful year of "Empty Bowls."
     The concept is based on the premise that every night there are people with empty bowls on their dinner tables. By offering hand made bowls to all who attend the event, they will remember those whose bowls are empty when they see their bowl at home. 

© 2022 St. James Episcopal Church
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Worship & Prayer
    • Prayer
    • Altar Guild
  • About
    • Staff
    • Vestry
    • Facility & Art
  • Rector's Blog
  • Outreach
    • Food Pantry Ministries
    • Youth/Teen Ministry
    • Youth Music School
    • Rummage Sales
    • Community Support
    • Scouting
  • Programs
    • ChristianIty & Education
    • Fellowship
    • Music
    • Pastoral Care
  • Giving
    • Ways to serve
  • Contact
  • Covid Info.