Good Sam’s is a food pantry and emerging community food center in Cortez, CO. We operate a free food market for supplemental groceries like fresh local produce and herbs when in season, dry goods, frozen meat, dairy, bread, eggs, cultural and traditional foods, desserts, drinks, and snacks. We also offer community events, volunteer opportunities, and free workshops for all ages.

Goals for 2026

  • Increase the quantity & variety of healthy options, culturally important and locally-produced food we distribute.

  • Deepen our community partnerships.

  • Continue to develop avenues for community participation, decision-making and leadership.

  • Commit to practices and policies that move us toward food sovereignty.

  • Work with members and partners to continue programs that educate, empower and nourish us as a community.

We deeply thank everyone who takes action on behalf of

We are held by this community and we hope our efforts always expand the love solidarity we receive.

Some of our volunteers, staff and board members with an original painting by local artist, Caro.

Our Mission

Good Sam’s Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers food assistance to anyone who needs it. It is our mission to ensure we all have equitable access to healthy food and supportive connections while working together to build a more just food system.

Our Work

FOOD PANTRY: The pantry operates out of a small area of the “big pink warehouse.” We have a full-time executive director and a part-time director of operations, while being supported by a part-time-time AmeriCorps service member. We also work with a variety of skilled people on a contract basis for projects, consulting and special events. Our work depends heavily on a crew of 30-40 active volunteers who serve at least 2-3 hours every week.

STAFF

Kirbi Foster, Executive Director

Justin Novak, Director of Operations

Georgiana Leonard, Community Food Security Advocate

Elisa Lavender, AmeriCorps Service Member

ADVISORY BOARD

Cecilia Berto, Chairperson

Matthew Keefauver, Member

Brandon Francis, Member

Alix Midgely, Member

Dave Banga, Member

Where does our food come from?

  • Donations & Food Drives

  • Community Gardens

  • Local food assistance organizations

  • Local & regional producers

  • Care and Share Food Bank

  • Montezuma School to Farm Project

  • CSU Extension Grow & Give

  • Safeway Cortez

  • Walmart Store #966

  • Maverik Adventure’s First Stop

Who funds Good Sam’s?

The majority of our funding comes from local individuals, organizations and foundations.

We also receive grants for programs, the procurement of local food and operational support:

CERF-SNAP Regional Fund

Virga Foundation

12 Hours of Mesa Verde

Provecho (Colorado Blueprint)

Nourish CO

Big Green DAO

USDA: Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) 2024-25