I’m pretty fortunate. I have the resources and flexibility to fill my fridge with appropriately raised produce, meat and dairy from local providers. I get to meet these folks every week at the Farmer’s Market at Ivywild School on Wednesdays. Scratch that – I’m really fortunate.
Many don’t have it so good . They live in food deserts, right here in my city, county, state – and yours, too.
Can you imagine having insufficient cash to feed your family?
And then the closest grocery store is 4 miles away?
And you don’t have a car?
There are people out there feeding their children from 7-11 and fast food outlets, folks. Every single day. Can you believe it? Sad to say, this is reality for more people than any of us care to admit.
This video features Larga Vista Ranch and Ahavah Farm. I’ve known the Wiley’s for years, and Doug, Kim and their sons provide my family with milk and eggs, produce, and much of our meat. Doug is a fourth generation farmer/rancher, and his love for the land and his livelihood is even more brilliantly evident when you grill a Larga Vista steak, fry one of their eggs, bite into one of his heirloom tomatoes, or drink some of the best milk I’ve ever tasted.
I recently Joseph of Ahavah Farm, and I couldn’t be more impressed. He’s doing great things, and by doubling SNAP value for those on food stamps, he’s helping make wholesome, appropriately raised more available to those least likely to have access. Besides, his children are adorable, especially his daughter the chicken-chaser. And his kohlrabi are delicious!
I moved to Colorado Springs from a climate where year-round local produce could be found in farmers markets. Here, availability is seasonal. I remember the first Farmer’s Market I stopped by had bananas and pineapple on offer. And when I asked, I was assured they were locally produced. Yeah, right, produced off the back of a food service truck. What a disappointment.
Well, I’ve been here over 20 years now. And in that time, things have changed. We have more farmers markets, and they’re more likely to be populated by actual producers. Still always good to ask, unless you’re at a CFAM Market, Colorado Farm and Art Market – there you’re guaranteed all is locally produced. I know the names and faces of the wonderful individuals who provide my family’s milk, eggs, produce and meat. Places like Seeds Community Cafe help get the word out and make sustainable, appropriately raised food available to anyone, whether they have money to pay or not. Things are changing and it is my sincere hope this improvement will continue until everyone has access to good healthy food, every single day.
So here’s a shot of the produce I got this week from my CSA. Then the next day I went to the farmers market and picked up milk, cream, eggs, stew meat and a steak, and produce. More on CSAs coming soon.
