Forty years after volunteers first handed out holiday food baskets, Taos Feeds Taos is gearing up for another season of assistance to families across Taos County. The nonprofit will kick off the effort with its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Bent Lodge, 124 Camino de Santiago in Taos. Tickets are $10 and the event serves as the primary fundraiser for the holiday program.
How to apply for holiday assistance
Applications for the holiday food program will be accepted from Nov. 16 through Nov. 18. Eligible households may receive grocery vouchers redeemable at Super Save Discount Food Store in Taos, as well as a free holiday ham. Vouchers will be mailed during the first week of December, and ham pick‑up will be available at Super Save on Dec. 21‑22. The deadline to use the grocery vouchers is noon on Dec. 24.
To apply, residents should call 575‑613‑8435 during the three‑day window and leave a brief message. Organizers ask callers to contact the line only once; a staff member will return the call promptly.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must provide proof of income for every household member—pay stubs, disability documentation, or veterans benefits—along with the number of people in the household, the last four digits of a Social Security number, and a recent utility statement to verify both physical and mailing addresses.
Program reach and history
The holiday assistance program serves families throughout Taos County, including the towns of Taos, Peñasco, Picurís, Amalia, Costilla, Questa and Cerro. In 2025, Taos Feeds Taos reported helping about 1,200 county households.
The organization began in 1986 when Jim Ulmer, with the help of Francis Cordova, Major Gen. Edward Baca and other volunteers, organized the first holiday food distribution. Over the decades, volunteers, donors and local businesses have sustained the vision of providing reliable food support during the holiday season.
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the program shifted from distributing boxed groceries to issuing vouchers, giving families greater flexibility to select foods that meet their needs. Board members say the change has been well‑received and has allowed the organization to continue its mission despite pandemic‑related challenges.
Community support and fundraising
Taos Feeds Taos relies on donations and fundraisers to cover the cost of holiday groceries. Past fundraising events have included a classic car show and auction, annual donation appeals, and contributions from local businesses and individuals. Volunteer board members have even covered some administrative expenses themselves to ensure that more donation dollars go directly to food assistance.
Ernestina Cordova, a longtime volunteer and board member, expressed hope that younger volunteers will carry the program forward. “Hopefully one day there will be some young people who will come along to continue this work, and keep fulfilling the dream,” she said.
Residents who wish to support the program can donate online at taosfeedstaos.org or call Ernestina Cordova at 575‑770‑0681 for more information.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
