Options and guidance for finding and purchasing local food and what to ask of producers. We have included some specifics especially for young children and preschools because of our Farm to Preschool project.
Start by asking the right questions:
When talking to producers, it is wise to know these “Questions to ask Meat and Produce Farmers (under Farmers Market tab)” so you know you are getting the healthiest and most sustainably produced foods possible.
Choose good food.
Local food presents many opportunities and benefits. Learn more and see our tips for keeping on the good-food track: Choosing Good Food.
Get to know your local farmers.
Check with a local food group—they may have a directory already for your use—or visit local farmers or invite them in to your garden and classroom (example: Farmer Daniel Day).
La Plata County
La Plata County Local Food Sources – Here are local products, producers, CSAs, and other markets, as explained below, for the greater La Plata County area.
Elsewhere in SW Colorado
Check the La Plata County Local Food Sources for regional items such as beans, cornmeal and check this list of local food groups in the SW CO region who can help you locate products. This list includes food hubs and coops who distribute regionally.
How to Find Local Food
CSAs — or Community Supported Agriculture
CSA subscriptions typically consist of consumers paying up front for a weekly basket or “share” of food during the growing season. The basket’s contents depend on what is growing that week and the amount varies with growing conditions — the subscriber essentially shares in the farmers risk. For preschools, a CSA can automatically provide a variety of the freshest most seasonal produce each week for snacks, meals, and edible education activities. For a larger center a basket might just add some essential variety of produce, but for a smaller center a basket could be a significant part of the week’s menu.
The upfront cost may seem high at first, but when the cost per week is calculated, the quality of the food is considered, and time and cost of seeking out fresh produce weekly is taken into account, CSAs can be a very good deal. Small preschools might share a basket, producers might customize baskets for preschool needs, and hopefully parents will consider a subscription themselves.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are one of the best places to find fresh high quality produce, to meet the farmer, and to learn how their products are grown. Samples are often provided, seconds and smaller items better suited for kids are often available, and special bulk deals at harvest time can be very cost effective.
Direct Contact or Producer Co-ops
You can contact local farmers directly for products or through producer co-ops. Local food groups often have producer and co-op directories available.
Local in Grocery Stores
Retail stores vary in the amount of local food they carry, but be sure to ask them to carry and label local items. Some more progressive stores and food co-ops have guidelines for the health and sustainability of the products they carry which can save you shopping time if those guidelines meet your standards for your kids. Bulk orders and buying clubs are often available and can result in considerable savings on high quality food.
Distributors
Distributors may carry some local or regional products — be sure to ask and encourage them to do so since they may not be inclined unless requested. Some distributors try to lock customers into exclusive contracts to discourage buying from other sources. This may be largely a fear tactic, there may actually be a significant percentage that can be bought outside the contract, and if such contracts keep you from buying what your kids deserve, you need to ask yourself if they are worth it.
Grow it Yourself
Finally — or actually first — the best and least expensive food can be what you grow yourself in the preschool or nearby garden!!
