Every other Sunday throughout the spring and summer, you can find some of the best locally sourced produce and farm products at the Nederland Farmers Market (NFM). The market got its start in 2016 as a pure grassroots organization. With no budget, only about five vendors, and four markets per year, it was enough to start changing the community.
After speaking with one of NFM’s founding members, who was once a farmer himself, I learned that today, the NFM is home to more than 40 vendors selling a mixture of vegetables, fruit, meat, and fish. They also make homemade jams, jellies, honey, and prepared foods for your taste buds’ enjoyment.
At every market, you will also be entertained by a musician or band creating the rhythmic sounds of Nederland, Colorado. Needless to say, the markets are a well-balanced showcase of pure Colorado farmers, ranchers, producers, and entertainers.
But it doesn’t end there. Individuals or families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, are able to use their EBT cards to purchase food items. They’re also eligible for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which grants them an extra $20 toward products sold at the farmers market.
Vendors participating in NFM events are held to the same high standards the NFM holds itself. Farmers, ranchers, and food suppliers must be local, offer a variety of fresh products, and exercise sustainable growing practices. This remained vital even during the pandemic, which made NFM an essential business and inspired their online store.
Some of the Nederland Farmers Market agricultural producers include the Jolly Radish Farm, Switch Gears Farm, Wonder Mushrooms Company, Magnolia Grassfed, Buckner Ranch, AA Honey, and Epick Seafoods.
You can show NFM some love by attending their Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can expect live music, adult beverages, more food vendors, and a pumpkin patch. It’s a great way to support an organization striving to be a profitable outlet for local business and agriculture as well as provide healthy food to Nederland and the surrounding communities.
There’s always something new happening at the Nederland Farmers Market, including in the autumn when their roasted chilis make their yearly appearance. Can’t make it to one of the local markets? No worries.
The NFM has an online store where you can purchase some goodies as part of the local food share program. These special treats are supplied by Monroe Organic Farm, Miller Farm, Ollin Farm, Rocky Mountain Fresh, Rancho Durazno, Mortons Orchards, Hazel Dell Mushrooms, Munson Farm, Kilt Farm, and Bona Vida Growers to name a few.
The Nederland Farmers Market offers several membership options for their food share program, adding to the ease of receiving a healthy box of goodies. Once you place your order, all you do is pick it up a week later.
The virtual store is open from Sundays at midnight until midnight on Wednesday. Items available in their online store range from an array of fresh produce to milk and eggs produced by Five Freedoms Dairy, Nederland-raised ducks, and Miller Farms.
If shopping is not your thing, consider supporting the NFM by donating, volunteering, or becoming an NFM board member. They’re always interested in candidates that bring expertise and skills to the table.
The Nederland Farmers Market consists of a board of directors and four part-time helpers, Jordan Reichers, Jaz Mannion, Stephanie Andelman, and Kipp Nash. And let’s not forget the army of volunteers that make this world go round. Really, where would we be without volunteers?!
All the individuals running NFM are creating a world of miracles, and if you’ve ever had to go hungry or eat meals you’d rather not, you know what I mean. They’re making it possible for people to have access to fresh and healthy food. When the NFM has available leftover products, the Holistic Homestead purchases the products and makes them available to Gilpin County residents.
There are forces at work, collaborating with the same passion and goal in mind, helping those that need it. Hopefully, the things in progress will soon make healthy living more accessible for residents across the Peak to Peak region.
Imagine a world where food insecurity is no longer an issue. After finding out what a local organization has been up to, I can’t help but believe in the hope for the future. And it starts with people like Nash, Produce and Local Food Share Program Manager for the Nederland Farmer’s Market.
The Nederland Farmers Market is located at 85 E. 1st Street and can be reached by mail at PO Box 1079, Nederland, Colorado 80466. You still have time to visit the NFM on Sundays, August 28, September 4, 11, & 25, and October 2. For online ordering and to learn more about the Nederland Farmers Market, check out: www.nederlandfarmersmarket.org.
Sponsored by the Town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
