Honoring the Agricultural Heritage and Partnerships of The Community Market

When most people think of the beginnings of Vail, they often picture the time when President Gerald Ford made the area his home, bringing national attention to this scenic mountain town. However, the story of Vail and its surrounding communities stretches back far beyond those days of presidential visits. Long before Vail became synonymous with world-class skiing and luxury, this land was home to farmers, ranchers, and before them, indigenous people who cultivated and cherished the fertile soils of the Western Slope. These early stewards of the land understood its value, nurtured its potential, and laid the groundwork for the vibrant agricultural traditions that continue to thrive today.

At The Community Market, we honor this rich history by working with local farms to bring the bounty of the Western Slope to the over 6,000 community members we serve each week. Our partnerships with farms like Okagawa Farms in Orchard Mesa, Juicy Acres in Palisade, and LaVenture Farm in Gypsum are at the heart of our mission to provide fresh, local produce to our community. These collaborations allow us to source a diverse array of fruits and vegetables that are not only fresher but also more flavorful and nutritious than produce that has traveled thousands of miles to reach our tables.

The economic impact of shopping locally cannot be overstated. By purchasing produce directly from these farms, we are investing in the livelihoods of local farmers and strengthening our regional economy. Every dollar spent on locally sourced food recirculates within our community, supporting jobs, fostering economic resilience, and helping to preserve the farming way of life that has defined this region for generations. As a nonprofit, The Community Market recognizes the power of our purchasing decisions. By choosing to partner with local farms, we are making a deliberate choice to support sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to the economic well-being of our neighbors.

The environmental benefits of these partnerships are equally significant. Local sourcing reduces the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of goods, which is a critical consideration in our fight against climate change. Moreover, many of the farms we work with employ sustainable farming practices that help protect the environment, from conserving water to avoiding harmful pesticides. By supporting these practices, we are contributing to the long-term health of the land and ensuring that it remains fertile and productive for future generations.

Our commitment to this mission is further strengthened by our collaboration with Gretchen Hovey, a founder of the beloved Hovey & Harrison. Gretchen has been instrumental in helping our team deepen our knowledge and expand our network of relationships. Her experience in building a thriving restaurant from the ground up, rooted in strong ties to local producers, has provided invaluable insights that we now apply in our work at The Community Market. Through her guidance, we are better equipped to support local farms and foster a community that values and benefits from its agricultural roots.

As part of our work at The Community Market, we also engage in food rescue—recovering surplus food that might otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to those in need, over 400,000 pounds each year to be exact. However, the reality is that the need in our community is so significant that food rescue alone is not enough. To meet this growing demand, we are also purchasing food to ensure that we can provide a consistent supply of nutritious options to our customers. Each year we spend over $650,000 or $12,500 per week on ordered food to keep our shelves stocked for our neighbors in need.

It’s important to recognize that food rescue, especially at the farm level, looks different than many people might imagine. Even when we rescue produce considered “#2s” due to cosmetic imperfections, we must acknowledge the tremendous effort required to grow, harvest, and transport this food. Supporting local agriculture means understanding that this labor is not free, and paying even a small amount for rescued produce honors the work that goes into getting food from the field to the table. Our commitment to this principle ensures that our partnerships with local farms are fair and sustainable, reinforcing our shared goal of nourishing our community.

This summer, we are also thrilled to be partnering with Dragonfly Preserves, a purpose-driven company doing business as Grammy’s Jam, to further our mission of empowering women and girls through skill development and confidence-building programs. Dragonfly Preserves is not just any business—they are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls by donating 100% of their profits to local organizations like Elevar, a program of Eagle Valley Community Foundation like The Community Market. Over the next two weekends, Dragonfly Preserves will be donating all of their profits to support our Elevar program at the Grammy’s Jam booth at the Minturn Market. By supporting this partnership, you’re not just enjoying a high-quality, locally-made product—you’re contributing directly to the empowerment. 

The Community Market is also excited to invite you to Harvest Day on Saturday, September 7, a celebration of local agriculture in partnership with New Roots and CSU Extension. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local farmers, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy the fruits of our region’s labor. We encourage you to participate and be part of this vibrant community event. To sign up, please reach out to Cooper at cooper@eaglevalleycf.org.

You too can play a vital role in this ongoing story. By choosing to shop local, you’re not just buying fresh produce—you’re investing in the future of our community. Volunteering at The Community Market is another meaningful way to contribute, helping us distribute these locally sourced goods to those who need them most. And, of course, donations are always appreciated, as they allow us to expand our reach and impact on farmers and the neighbors we serve. Together, we can support the Western Slope’s agricultural legacy, nourish our community, and ensure that this land continues to thrive for generations to come.