Ouray County Food Resources
How to help or get help
- Ouray County Response Fund:
https://raisedonors.com/telluride.../ouraycountyresponsefund for donations. For applications: https://tchnetwork.org/ouray-community-respond-fund/
Town of Ridgway:
- San Miguel Power Assoc. will match donations dropped off at Nucla and Ridgway offices.
- Ouray County Food Pantry, 602 Cora St, Ridgway
- Accepting donations on Thursdays 12:30pm - 3:30pm
- Website: Ouray County Food Pantry
- Ouray Food Pantry is open Thursdays 12:30pm - 3:30pm
- Mountain Market, 490 Sherman St, Ridgway
- Accepting cash donations to purchase $10, $20, $50 bags of food to be donated to the Ouray County Food Pantry or the Humane Society.
- Alpine Bank, 119 Liddell Dr, Ridgway
- Accepting donations of non perishable food items for the Ouray County Food Pantry
- US Post Office, 485 Clinton St, Ridgway
- Accepting donations of non perishable food items for the Ouray County Food Pantry
City of Ouray:
- Ouray County Sheriff’s Office
- Accepting non perishable food and cash donations for Ouray County Food Pantry.
- Drop non perishable donations off at the Sheriff’s Office (461 6th Ave. Ouray) during business hours Monday through Thursday 9AM-4PM.
- Donations will be delivered to the food pantry weekly.
- Small Food Pantry Shelf located right outside of Ouray Library and inside Ouray City Hall Building.
- Address: 320 6th Ave, Ouray
- Leave non perishable items from 7am - 8pm daily M-F AND most weekends during daylight hours.
- Pick up what you need from 7am - 8pm daily M-F AND most weekends during daylight hours.
HIGHLY VALUED ITEMS
★★ These make a big impact ★★
COOKING ESSENTIALS
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Oils & Basics:
• Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, olive)
• Cooking spray
• Salt and pepper
• Sugar, flour
• Spices and seasonings
Broths & Bases:
• Chicken broth, beef broth, vegetable broth
• Bouillon cubes
• Condensed soups (cream of mushroom, cream of chicken)
Why these matter: These basics turn donated ingredients into actual meals.
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BEVERAGES
Drinks:
• 100% fruit juice boxes (for kids)
• Powdered drink mixes (sugar-free options)
• Coffee, tea bags
• Hot chocolate packets
• Shelf-stable milk (Parmalat, powdered milk)
• Powdered milk for families with children
Why these matter: Hydration and nutrition, especially for children.
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SNACKS - Especially for Children
Healthy Snacks:
• Granola bars, protein bars
• Crackers with cheese or peanut butter
• Fruit cups (individual)
• Raisins and dried fruit
• Trail mix, nuts (check for allergies)
• Pretzels, popcorn
• Goldfish, animal crackers
Why these matter: Kids need snacks for school and after-school activities.
Individuals experiencing homelessness need portable, easy-to-eat options.
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BABY FOOD & FORMULA
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For Infants:
• Baby formula (most needed!)
• Baby food jars and pouches
• Baby cereal
• Diapers (all sizes, especially larger)
• Baby wipes
Why these matter: Formula is expensive and essential. Parents often go without
food themselves to afford formula.
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SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS
• Gluten-free pasta, rice, crackers, gluten-free cereal
• Rice cakes
• Corn tortillas
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DIABETIC-FRIENDLY OPTIONS
• Sugar-free items
• Whole grains
• Low-sodium canned goods
• Diabetic-friendly snacks
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SENIOR-FRIENDLY OPTIONS
• Single-serving portions
• Pop-top cans (no can opener needed)
• Easy-to-chew items
• Low-sodium options
• Instant/easy-prep meals
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NON-FOOD ESSENTIALS
Food banks often accept these critical items:
PERSONAL HYGIENE
• Toilet paper
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Soap (bar and liquid)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers and baby wipes
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent (small containers)
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Cleaning supplies
Why these matter: Families often must choose between food and hygiene products.
SNAP benefits don't cover these items.
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ITEMS TO AVOID
DO NOT DONATE:
• Expired or opened items
• Homemade or baked goods (health code regulations)
• Items in glass jars (safety concerns)
• Dented, rusted, or damaged cans
• Items requiring extensive preparation
• Alcohol or items containing alcohol
• Rusty or unlabeled cans
• Items past "best by" dates
LESS HELPFUL DONATIONS:
• Cake mixes (require eggs, oil, etc.)
• Stuffing mixes (require butter)
• Condensed soups alone (need milk)
• Frosting without cake mix
• Spices alone (without food)
• Exotic or unfamiliar foods
• Items with dietary restrictions not clearly labeled