DENVER — Sarah Duprey is a 2019 recipient of the Governor’s Service Award.

A press release from the Governor’s Office noted that Duprey served as an AmeriCorps member with La Puente Home’s Rural Alliance for Dignity program in 2018-2019. While serving at the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley, she served 5,981 individuals in Alamosa and helped rescue over 158,000 pounds of food.

Duprey’s commitment and excitement for ending food insecurity and increasing nutrition education in the San Luis Valley are considered genuine. Her communication to community stakeholders and donors earned Duprey the title of “All-Star AmeriCorps Member” from Lance Cheslock, executive director of La Puente Home.

The food bank’s clients view the facility as a safe, judgment-free zone, and, as such, the food bank has increased the number of clients that are volunteering. Lyndsey Williams, the food bank’s director, says it’s “likely not a coincidence that the increase in community engagement is due to Sarah.”

Duprey is moving to Vermont to serve another term as an AmeriCorps VISTA member.