Locally Raised Bison Bring Protein to Cortez Families Facing Food Insecurity

Residents in Cortez face growing food insecurity, with two to five new families visiting food pantries and soup kitchens each week. For many families, the problem is finding protein, which remains scarce amid the rising costs and unpredictable supplies of local food banks. One rancher and former food pantry manager saw this problem firsthand, so she reached out to LOR with an innovative solution. LOR’s funding will help the Farming Hands Initiative purchase five to seven bison heifers and establish the infrastructure to launch a local herd, providing a predictable, renewable source of locally raised protein to Cortez-area food pantries. Each processed bison will yield approximately 400 pounds of meat—roughly 2,200 servings—enough to meet local food pantry protein needs for two to three weeks. This community-rooted model will build long-term food sovereignty and reduce dependence on distant supply chains while honoring the skills and commitment of the local ranching community.