Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. The Holistic Homestead is a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation with a mission to increase health literacy, build healthy communities and advocate for the medically underserved. The Homestead operates a market out of Gilpin County at 972 Golden Gate Canyon Road and is open Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays for seniors and immune-compromised individuals.

The Homestead was founded in 2015 in the Peak to Peak area. Their community food share program started with a small group of people wanting to bring fresh, organic produce to the mountain communities. They have a used, durable medical equipment program as well. 

To become a part of the community food share, first you must become a member of the Holistic Homestead which is $25/year which gives you ten percent off at the market. More information can be found at connect@theholistichomestead.com.

The market recently received a grant so that they can upgrade their facilities with new sinks and a dairy fridge and freezer so milk and eggs will soon be offered. 

The market carries exclusively organic foods, so the customer never has to wonder what they’re buying. Their vision is for long-term sustainability and to have a year-round Farmer’s Market.

Local foods like Willoughby’s Honey and mountain-roasted coffee adorn the shelves. Fingerling potatoes from LaSalle and wild mushrooms from Fort Collins are seasonal and help support local vendors.

The Homestead donates the leftover produce from the food share weekly to the Gilpin County Food Bank since 2018. It’s a great way to give back to the community.

The community garden at the community center did well over the summer but when the growing season is over, the Homestead plans to still have fresh produce.

The Homestead collaborates with community partners like the Mountain People’s Co-op and Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center among others to manifest their vision. They have hosted monthly tea parties with guest speakers and raffles, DIY workshops, etc. to raise awareness.

Their shelves were donated from Nature’s Own in Boulder. “It’s taken literally a village. This is one-hundred percent community-supported, community-built. We’re membership-based, we’re volunteer-powered,” said Arwen Ek.

Upon arriving at the market, you might notice Skully the Skeleton, who accompanies Ek on educational outings. He helps teach the kids about first-aid, basic anatomy, etc. but whereas the curriculum was called “Hands-On Health for Kids,” it is now called, “Hands Off and Healthy.” Revamping the curriculum will include new lessons about how to wear a mask, washing your hands and socially distanced activities. 

Since 2015, every December the Homestead holds a holistic health fair with vendors, a silent auction and a kids table. Access to health and wellness has been greatly impacted by the pandemic and Ek plans to move many of their activities to a digital format.

The Holistic Homestead is putting all their eggs in one basket this year to put on the Gilpin County Farmer’s Market Labor Day Weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 4, 5, and 6, 2020! Don’t miss your chance to buy local handmade soaps, jewelry, jams and jellies, infused oils, pastries, produce and more! Follow the event on Facebook for updates on vendors and other offerings: https://www.facebook.com/events/2579379485499082 or the Eventbrite page for free tickets and info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilpin-county-farmers-market-tickets-117124557705

“I want people to come into the Homestead and the Market and leave feeling healthier and more empowered,” said Ek who takes to heart Homestead’s motto, “Health starts at home.”

(Originally published in the August 20, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)