Ana Smith’s Recipe for Change: Making Healthy Eating Easy and Accessible

written by Denise Leslie

Ana Smith, a South Texas native, has dedicated 22 years to the food and beverage industry, building her expertise through hands-on experience and sheer determination. Frustrated with a food system that prioritizes convenience over health, Ana saw an opportunity to make a real difference. “People aren’t always choosing fast food because they want to —they eat it often because it’s quick and easy,” she explains. Motivated to offer a better alternative, Ana founded SoCo Mountain Food Services, a business that bridges convenience with healthy eating, helping people make better choices without sacrificing time or flavor.

Instead of opening a traditional restaurant, Ana developed an innovative approach that significantly reduces overhead while focusing on client needs. She prepares meals directly in clients’ kitchens or rents unused kitchen spaces to cook in bulk. From creating custom menus and grocery shopping to cooking, cleaning, and portioning, Ana handles every step of the process. Her in-home clients are charged for groceries and her hourly rate, making the service both affordable and flexible. “It’s all about meeting people where they are,” Ana says. “I want to make healthy eating simple, so it fits seamlessly into busy lives.”

Ana’s meals are designed with practicality in mind—they’re healthy, delicious, and taste just as good the next day. This allows her clients to enjoy nutritious, home-cooked food without the stress of meal planning or prep work. For those who prefer a more flexible option, Ana also offers “mini meal preps.” These packages include large batches of three recipes sold together, allowing her to test new dishes, serve a broader audience, and train potential employees.

In addition to her meal prep services, Ana sells baked goods and ready-to-eat items at local farmers markets. These markets not only help her connect with the community but also provide a platform to showcase her dedication to fresh, wholesome ingredients. This multifaceted approach has allowed her to steadily grow SoCo Mountain Food Services into a thriving business.

Ana has achieved this growth without loans or financial backing, relying instead on reinvestment and an incredible work ethic. For four years, she balanced her full-time restaurant job while building her business from the ground up. While the journey hasn’t been without challenges, she credits the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for its support. Ana’s consultant, Rich, has been instrumental in helping her navigate critical business decisions, from hiring employees to fine-tuning contracts. “Rich has been a lifesaver,” Ana shares. “He’s helped me figure out the business side of things and given me the confidence to keep pushing forward.”

Ana’s mission extends beyond her clients’ dinner tables. She’s passionate about improving working conditions for food industry professionals and creating opportunities for others to earn a living wage in a healthier work environment. “I want to be part of the solution to our food crisis,” she says. “Helping people eat better and supporting others in the industry is what drives me every day.”

Through her innovation, determination, and a deep passion for change, Ana Smith is reshaping the way people approach food—one meal at a time.

(210) 240-4652
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
https://www.socomountainfoodservices.com/

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