Eat Up This Week's Sustainability Tip

Did you know that, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there are more than 36,000 ranches and farms in Colorado? Almost one-fifth of all land in Colorado is cropland. Colorado’s abundant high altitude sunshine, warm days, and cool nights means our state is able to produce a wide variety of fruits and vegetables under some of the best climatic conditions in the country. For the month of October, Walking Mountains Sustainability is highlighting the benefits of thinking local for our environment, our economy, and our community. Buying local produce and food products is a great way to support the local economy, environment, and put nutritious food on your plate. (Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife)

Three tips for what you can do to improve your personal well being!

1.) Pick your own. There is nothing more fulfilling than picking your own food straight from the farm. Apple season in Colorado is at its peak right now and there are a multitude of orchards in the high country and along the front range where you can pick your own apples. Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss is a staff favorite. 

2.) Look for local. Even though farmers market season is winding down, Colorado farmers are still busy during the fall and winter. Winter squash, turnips, and kale are just some of the delicious crops in season right now. Look for restaurants that source local ingredients and look for local and Colorado Proud products at the grocery store.

3.) Could you or someone you know use a little help putting food on the table? The Eagle River Valley Food Bank provides fresh produce and packaged food free of charge to residents across the valley through a variety of programs. To learn more visit https://ourcommunityfoundation.org/our-work/eagle-food-bank/.