Community Food Share’s Commitment to Sustainability

As part of our sustainability pillar, we are excited to celebrate National Agriculture Day on March 18 and Earth Day on April 22. National Agriculture Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the importance of agriculture and support local farmers and Earth Day offers another chance to reflect on the ways we can contribute to the health of our planet, and supporting local agriculture is a powerful way to do just that.

Community Food Share is committed to supporting local agriculture and ensuring our community has access to fresh, nutritious food. Our partnerships with local farmers and ranchers not only help provide high-quality produce but also contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of our local economy. When possible, we source as much fresh, locally grown food and meat as possible. These partnerships not only provide a reliable market for growers and ranchers products, but it also helps create jobs, as they continue to grow and expand their operations it stimulates the local economy and strengthens the food systems. The benefits aren’t just limited to growers and ranchers—access to locally sourced food ensures that families enjoy nutritious options while supporting sustainable farming practices. When we use locally sourced options, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the transportation and support our community’s environmentally friendly growing practices.

Supporting local agriculture through initiatives like Community Food Shares have become even more crucial as local farmers and ranchers are face growing challenges, making it harder to remain competitive in national and global markets. By investing in local food systems, we help ensure that these producers can continue to provide fresh, healthy food for our community while also contributing to a sustainable and resilient food system.

You can get involved in National Agricultural Day and Earth Day by:

  • Supporting Local Farmers: Purchase fresh, locally grown produce at local farmers’ market, like the Boulder County Farmers Markets.
  • Spreading Awareness: Share the importance of supporting local agriculture with your friends and family on social media using #NationalAgDay or #EarthDay.
  • Volunteering: Donate your time by joining the Glean Team at UpRoot Colorado and help prevent food waste by gleaning extra produce in local fields.
  • Participating in Grow A Row: If you have a garden or outdoor space, consider growing an extra row of produce to donate to Community Food Share’s “Grow A Row” program. It’s a great way to contribute to the community. Register your garden through the Fresh Food Connect app to track your garden donations to Community Food Share throughout the harvest season.

By supporting local agriculture, whether through purchasing fresh produce or donating homegrown food, we are not only helping to sustain our community but also contributing to a more sustainable planet. Let’s celebrate National Agriculture Day and Earth Day by supporting the hard-working farmers who provide us with healthy, local food, while promoting a more environmentally friendly and resilient food system for future generations.