A strong and healthy local food system is one of the most important foundations of a resilient rural community.
In regions like Southwest Colorado, where weather, transportation and national supply chain disruptions can quickly affect food access, investing in local agriculture and independent food businesses helps ensure communities remain economically stable and connected.
Our region is fortunate to have a strong network of food businesses and organizations working together to support a healthier and more resilient food economy. From Durango Farmers Market and locally-owned grocery stores like Durango Natural Foods Co-op and Sunnyside Farms Market to organizations such as Good Food Collective – whose initiatives focus on policy, systems and environmental change to support the system at large – these community-driven efforts help strengthen connections between producers, businesses and residents across Southwest Colorado.
Durango Farmers Market provides an important direct connection between residents and local farmers, ranchers, bakers and food producers. Each season, the market creates opportunities for local agricultural businesses to sell directly to the community while giving residents access to fresh, locally grown food.
That connection between local producers and consumers continues year-round through grocery stores like Durango Natural Foods Co-op. By prioritizing locally-grown produce, regional products and sustainable agriculture, DNF helps create a year-round marketplace for local producers while encouraging residents to invest in the local economy.
As Mads Root, DNF assistant general manager, said, "Every dollar invested in local food does more than fill a shopping cart, fridge or pantry. It supports local artisans, families and businesses. It brings us together and strengthens our local community. It helps to build a stronger, more resilient regional economy."
Sunnyside Farms Market is another example of how local food infrastructure strengthens the regional economy. By supporting local ranchers and providing locally processed meats, the business helps preserve agricultural traditions while ensuring residents have access to high-quality food sourced from the surrounding areas.
Organizations like Good Food Collective take a systems-level approach to developing policy, securing resources and building local partnerships that support thriving agriculture, incubate food businesses and increase access to nourishing foods. Examples of their work include developing, advocating for and now implementing Healthy School Meals for All. This program supports food security by providing Colorado school children with free, healthy meals, while also supporting local agriculture by infusing schools with approximately $250K annually to purchase from farmers and ranchers. The Good Food Collective understands that local food purchasing has a measurable economic impact because money spent locally are more likely to stay within the community through wages, services and reinvestment in agriculture.
Executive Director Rachel Landis said, “While residents appreciate the delicious food our farmers and ranchers provide, many don’t realize that agriculture remains a base sector in La Plata County, meaning that it is a key driver of our economy. For every dollar spent on local food, it is estimated that somewhere between $1.63 and $1.82 is invested back in our community. I’d call that a pretty good rate of return ... and a tasty one at that.”
Together, Local First members such as Durango Farmers Market, Durango Natural Foods Co-op, Sunnyside Farms Market and Good Food Collective demonstrate that our region has a strong and well-established local food infrastructure that supports producers, businesses and residents alike. Supporting those businesses and organizations reinforces the sustainability of our community.
That’s why we say: Choose local food whenever you can. Visit Durango Farmers Market, shop at locally owned grocers, support regional producers, and learn more about the organizations working to build a stronger food system in Southwest Colorado. Every purchase, partnership and conversation is an investment in a stronger, more resilient local economy.
Ashley Christie is the executive director of Local First Foundation.
