Stepping into the coming years of population growth with increasing levels of tourism and food costs, it is crucial that Coloradan communities continue to focus their energy on self-sustainability. Maintaining a healthy ecology and community by means of nutritious local food no matter what your zip code is, should remain the key to evolving through the shifting tides. Enhancing food security efforts in the mountains by providing healthy options for locals is a major concern for the board members and volunteers at the Nederland Farmers Market (NFM).

Taking a stroll down East 2nd Street on a summer’s day in Ned has become much more crowded than most locals are prepared for. Just trying to find an easy place to park on the weekend is almost a nightmare and definitely a sad state of affairs when it comes to trying to pick up those quick essentials. Face it, this heavily trafficked mining town is not quite set up to handle such an overload during the tourist season. A growing concern that is unfortunately affecting most of the neighboring areas here in the mountain west corridor and throughout the country.

Current analysis of Colorado counties reveals trends reflecting that poorer and more isolated communities mimic the global path of disease and health issues when it comes to lack of affordable and nutritious food access. Continuing to build local robust food systems with seasonal farmers markets is a step towards reversing these tendencies. Partnering locally driven businesses with the community is a priority at NFM and knowing that each dollar being spent goes towards nourishing the town’s food availability while supporting homegrown businesses is absolutely a win-win scenario.

Living at 8236 ft. plus, there is a huge need to remain self-sustainable while supporting healthy alternatives. Produce for food shares is being received from hard-working nearby farms while producers are being brought in from small local businesses. As the evolving lineup of awesome vendors strive towards providing the key to a functioning market, there continues to be an extreme need to grow more viable outlets for the health of our nation. Altering the behavioral habits of consumers by supporting locals and the environment that we live in, is dependent upon where we choose to spend our hard-earned dollars.

Looking to the future, the more community-based interactions that can be solidified today through farmers markets, the more mountain towns like Nederland are able to remain self-reliant in the everchanging times. Local access to food and crafts at NFM is the heartbeat that keeps a community beating on while providing a more reliable future.

So, as you continue to weave through the busy streets, remember that voting for a more sustainable and healthy future starts with your pocket much more than a ballot. Hope to see your bright faces and community driven passions at market this season.

Upcoming Market Dates this Season: August 20, September 3, September 17, October 1. Find out more at https://www.nederlandfarmersmarket.org/