The Good Food Collective is working with partners to reinstate an intact regional food system because we believe that -- through food -- we can build a vibrant economy, steward our natural resources, and support the physical and cultural health of our community.
We Believe in the Power of Food Systems
Food impacts our lives far more than many of us may realize! It's a pivotal piece of our economy, our culture, and our mental and physical health. The stronger our food system is, the more resilient we become -- as a community and as individuals.
A thriving regional food system simultaneously supports climate improvements, employment opportunities, creative pursuits, cultural well-being, and more!
Our Three Main Jams
Regional Convening, Coordination, and Support
The Four Corners area is home to many individuals and groups committed to supporting a healthy local food system. The Good Food Collective aims to support and ensure the success of these individual efforts. We facilitate collaboration between change makers and stakeholders in order to create and amplify a shared vision while leveraging necessary resources.
Food Security and Health Equity
The USDA estimates that a whopping 30 - 40% of food is wasted in the US! Crops rot in fields, wilted greens are tossed, and fruit trees drop unharvested snacks around here like it's nobody's business. Yet, 1 in 4 children in our region are food insecure. By viewing the overlap of these two problems as a space for opportunity rather than discouragement, we can move toward saving our food and serving our people.
Agricultural Support
Sustainable agriculture is an essential component of a healthy food system. Agriculture is a part of our heritage and contemporary identity, it employs over 2300 regional residents, and it brings us joy in the form of healthy fruits and vegetables! Yet, our region’s farmers and ranchers face frequent challenges ranging from climate change to poverty-level income. The Good Food Collective tackles projects that support the success of our regional agricultural sector.
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Our Projects
1.
Mobile Farm Workforce provides living wage and skills-based employment to community members while filing critical labor gaps. Check out the report below for more information!
3.
Farms to Food Banks connects grant funding with food banks, and in turn connects food banks to local producers.
5.
Fruit Gleaning reduces thousands of pounds of food waste across our region by capturing excess backyard fruits, and redistributes them to food banks and pantries.
2.
Community Produce Share, done in Partnership with Manna and The Garden Project, provides residents with an affordable and convenient option to access local produce.
4.
Regional Assessment and Planning Coalition convenes stakeholders across sectors to identify obstacles in our local food system, works to shift power, and support equitable systems change efforts.
6.
Roots of Health provides locally grown CSA shares to health care workers, effectively reducing barriers to nutritious foods for busy professionals.
In the News
In the News
Have Apple Picker, Will Harvest! - Durango Local News Network
The GFC extends to Montezuma County - The Journal
Fruit Gleaning with the GFC! - Durango Herald
The Good Food Collective Connects Food and Those Who Need It
Save the Food, Serve the People!
Southwest Colorado Disaster Relief
Reducing Food Waste - Old Halloween Pumpkins become Livestock Feed
2019 Mobile Farm Workforce Report