Coalition Meetings
@ Hospice del Valle – December 6th, 2013
Our monthly meeting will be packed with a busy agenda! Many topics will be expounded on with several guest presenters including LiveWell Colorado, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Round Robin Speakers along with covering LFC’s upcoming agenda and more!
Events & Celebrations
San Luis Valley Local Food Train – January 19th, 2013
Join the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and the SLV Local Foods Coalition for the 2nd annual SLV Local Food Train event. The distinct flavors of the San Luis Valley are showcased on this scenic winter train ride as a chef prepares locally inspired dishes from area farmers and ranchers. Enjoy the spectacular winter scenery from the warmth and comfort of a train car as you travel from Alamosa to the quaint mountain town of La Veta. Partake in local foods and drinks provided by Valley growers and brewers. Guest speakers will be on hand to share their experiences with ranching, farming, beekeeping, seed saving, and the value of eating locally.
Food Day Celebration – October 24th, 2013
Harvest Moon Soirée: A Local Foods Benefit – September 21-22nd, 2013
Join us for our first annual fundraiser, The Harvest Moon Soirée, featuring a local food farm dinner with local libations and music. This evening outdoor farm to table dinner gathering will feature 100% SLV grown feast with fun for all and will help benefit the LFC initiative efforts for the San Luis Valley. We will also be featuring a Sunday morning Farm Tour.
Fermentation Bike Tour – August 6th, 2013
Symphony of the Soil Gathering – July 25th, 2013
There will be a showing of Symphony of the Soil, a beautiful documentary film about the miraculous substance soil, on Thursday, July 25th at 6:30pm at Milagros Coffeehouse in Alamosa. If you miss this free showing, you can watch or purchase it via their website. View Symphony of the Soil »»
Alamosa Artwalk – June 21st-22nd, 2013
Join us in downtown Alamosa to see local Artists and experience a yummy artwalk! The Local Foods Coalition will be hosting the MoKi (the mobile kitchen) on Main Street. We will be cooking up local foods and offering samples as well as promoting local producers and the farmers market.
Hunger Education Week – April 7-12th, 2013
La Puente, our amazing Alamosa nonprofit partner, is kicking off their annual Hunger Education Week with CROP WALK on Sunday April 7th. Crop Walk is a community event to raise awareness of global hunger issues. We walk in solidarity with those around the world who must walk several miles a day to find food and water. CROP Walk is also a fundraiser for the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley and a global organization that devotes their time to combating world poverty and hunger.
Seed Exchange Event – February 16th, 2013
Seed security creates food security. The 3rd Annual San Luis Valley Seed Exchange taking place on Saturday, February 16, 2013 in the Joyful Journey Hot Springs Conference Center from 10am until 3pm. All are welcome. Admission is free. The SLV Seed Exchange is where our regional community comes together to share seeds and knowledge. There will be information tables about beekeeping, local foods, and ORMUS alchemical salts. Local restaurants and chefs will provide food and beverages. Joyful Journey’s 42ft geodesic grow-dome will be open for tours and event participants will receive a discounted soak in the mineral springs.
Workshops
Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Free Workshop – Nov. 15th, 2013
Join representatives from the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and History Colorado to learn about how the designation of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area affects you. Representatives will discuss what the designation means to those who live within the boundary, how preservation of historic (public and private) properties within the boundary will be affected, what types of funding may be available to residents and more!
Horno Workshop – September 7th, 2013
Join us for a workshop on cooking in an Horno on Saturday at Cactus Hill Farm in Capulin. Hornos are outdoor ovens constructed of adobe that were used traditionally by Native Americans and Hispanics for making foods like bread, meat, and chicos. Elena Miller of Cactus Hill Farm will teach a lesson on cooking in an horno. Cooking starts at 4pm, followed by a meal and traditional music. Lamb cooked in the horno will be shared. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share if you are able.
Permaculture Workshop – October 12th, 2013
Join us for this exciting hands on event with local expert Kenny Fischer at Boyd Garden. Learn about the principles of permaculture and how it relates to horticulture and agriculture ecosystems. Sponsored by the SLVLFC, the Alamosa Community Greenhouse, & VEGI.
Dilly Bean Canning Workshop – August 25th, 2013
Free Organic Gardening Course – February 23rd, 2013
Paul Niebal will be holding a FREE 3-Part Beginners Organic Gardening Course for 3 Saturdays from 10am-2pm at Trinidad Junior State College. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone wanting to learn about Home Garden Production! Paul’s vast experience in gardening in the valley and high altitude issues will lend to very informative sessions including soil, design, planting, growth, care and more.
Tours & Site Visits
Kirby House Gardens & Greenhouses Tour – July 27th, 2013
Conferences & Presentations
11th Annual Southwest Marketing Network Conference (SMNC) – July 15-17th, 2013
Local Roots – Regional Connections
This networking event will provide maximum opportunity for farmers, educators, administrators, non-profits, agencies, and policy makers to explore the breadth of what Farm to School programs offer to each of them, to learn together and network across sectors. By exploring our own roles, and understanding the roles others play, we can team up to increase opportunities for farmers to expand markets, for children in our schools to learn about growing food, good nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and for agencies and policy makers to promote economic development by establishing sustainable local food systems. Registration Info »»
Valley Research Study by Ken Meter – June 2nd, 2013
An insightful economic study of the San Luis Valley Region highlighting the Local Farm & Food Economy conducted by Ken Meter of the Crossroads Resource Center and is available for viewing. The consumer study covers Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, & Saguache Counties.
Conversation with Carole Counihan – January 12th, 2013
While writing her book, “A Tortilla is Like Life”, anthropologist Carole Counihan collected food-centered life histories from nineteen Hispanic women who had long-standing roots in the upper Rio Grande region. Join us for a conversation with Ms. Counihan about beliefs and behaviors surrounding food production, distribution, preparation, and consumption in the Southern San Luis Valley.
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