Local Foods Local Places

Local Foods Local Places works to strengthen the San Luis Valley food system by connecting people, businesses, schools, organizations, and local governments with the resources and relationships they need.

Following the completion of the SLV Community Food & Agriculture Assessment and Action Plan, our work is now focused on turning community priorities into practical programs, partnerships, and policy.

Healthy School Meals for All

We support efforts to implement Healthy School Meals for All across San Luis Valley.

  • Supporting schools as they implement Healthy School Meals for All
  • Helping schools purchase more Colorado- and San Luis Valley-grown foods
  • Connecting school food programs with farmers, ranchers, food hubs, and other suppliers

Retail Food Access Support

We help local retailers and food businesses get more local food on local plates across the San Luis Valley.

  • Providing technical assistance with the CDA Community Food Access Tax Credit to locally-owned grocery stores, markets, farm stands, and other direct-to-consumer operations
  • Connecting retailers with regional producers, distributors, and food hubs
  • Supporting new and existing food access projects in underserved communities

Local Roots / SLV Food Finder

We help residents understand where local food comes from, where to find it, and how to participate in the regional food system.

  • Highlighting local farmers, ranchers, producers, and food businesses
  • Updating, publishing, and promoting the Local Roots Guide
  • Hosting farm tours, and promoting other local food activities
  • Helping make the food system easier to understand and navigate

Regional Food Policy Support

We support policies and public decisions that strengthen the San Luis Valley food system.

  • Supporting food and agriculture priorities in county and municipal planning
  • Supporting policies that improve food access, strengthen local businesses, and create opportunities for producers

State of the Food System

We collect, organize, and share information that helps the San Luis Valley understand how its food system is changing.

  • Tracking regional food system indicators and Action Plan implementation
  • Sharing data that can support planning, grant applications, advocacy, and investment
  • Hosting the SLV State of the Food System event to share findings, highlight progress, and identify priorities for the years ahead

Local Foods Local Places Team

  • Jae Sanders – Program Director – jae@slvlocalfoods.org
  • Iava Williams – Technical Assistance & Outreach Coordinator – iava@slvlocalfoods.org
  • Molly Mendez – Value Chain and Outreach Coordinator – molly@slvlocalfoods.org