This story originated from Sol del Valle and has been translated for English readers.
SANA, the Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance, is a coalition formed by the counties of Eagle, Pitkin, and Garfield. These counties identified food insecurity as an urgent problem in the Valley and decided to act together. That’s how they called upon various local associations and began developing the prototype of what is now SANA, an initiative that grounded its roots in 2017.
In 2020, the project took a fundamental step by implementing direct surveys with the population.
“We conducted more than 300 surveys and identified the main food and comprehensive health issues,” said Judith Alvarez, a general practitioner licensed in Mexico with more than two decades of experience. She has been SANA’s executive director since 2020.
With a six-year track record focused on improving food access and nutrition of the Valley, SANA has strengthened its work thanks to joint efforts with organizations such as the Colorado Health Foundation, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger and Western Colorado Community Foundation. They have managed to establish themselves as a highly reliable organization. “Our mission is to ensure that all families in our community have access to nutritious foods, fostering a healthier and more prosperous community,” it’s stated on SANA’s website.
Since Feb. 18, 2020, the organization has had a Facebook page under the name “Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance – SANA” which became one of its first bilingual communication channels. Recently, SANA took another step toward digital inclusion by launching the Spanish version of its website. It is available at sanaco.org, and can be accessed easily by selecting the “Español” option in the upper or lower right corner of the homepage.
The website, with the slogan “We listen, we connect, we feed,” is a new effort by SANA to reach the Spanish-speaking community. On it, users can find contact information, details about programs, strategies, the coalition’s history, the board of directors and more.
For SANA, good nutrition is the first step toward comprehensive health, closely linked to both physical and mental well-being. The coalition has been expanding, betting on raising awareness and using digital resources, such as its website and virtual courses via Zoom.
Alvarez said, “The importance is to make known the work we do in the community. To reach more people through these technological resources in order to share the benefits that exist in SANA and thus become visible to people who do not have social media.”
Among the many benefits that SANA offers, the free distribution of healthy, fresh and “culturally relevant” foods stands out. Its distribution centers operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays in collaboration with other organizations such as Food Bank of the Rockies and Lift-Up:
El Jebel: 11am to 12pm at Food Bank of the Rockies (218 E Valley Rd).
Rifle: 10am to 11am at the parking lot of Garfield Human Services (195 14th St).
Glenwood Springs:
1:30pm to 2:30pm at
120 Soccer Field Rd.
Additionally, SANA will offer free cooking, food preservation and nutrition classes, taught via Zoom on Fridays starting Oct. 3 at 6pm. To participate, prior registration is required by calling 970-989-3513.
With these programs, SANA not only provides food but also knowledge and tools to achieve complete nutrition. Through raw materials, theoretical content and culinary practice, the organization promotes true community integration.
Community is the central pillar of SANA, whether through volunteering in food distribution, logistical support at events or the training of emerging leaders. These individuals, through talks and direct experience, are called upon to continue and innovate this collective effort.
To learn more about the resources and programs offered by SANA, visit their official website: www.sanaco.org