Nourishing Community Health: Spring into Wellness

With March comes the arrival of spring—a season of renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. Fittingly, it is also National Nutrition Month, a time to reflect on the critical role nutrition plays in overall well-being. At Eagle Valley Community Foundation, we know that health extends far beyond access to healthcare. True wellness is shaped by access to nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity, and culturally relevant education that meets people where they are.

In Eagle County, these needs are especially urgent. Hispanic and Latino residents—who make up a significant and growing portion of our community—face disproportionately higher rates of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Hispanic adults are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than their white counterparts. These disparities are closely tied to systemic barriers, including food insecurity, limited access to preventive care, language barriers, and a lack of culturally responsive health education.

At the same time, food access remains a pressing issue locally. Thousands of individuals and families across Eagle County rely on The Community Market each week, underscoring the reality that access to healthy, affordable food is still out of reach for many. Without consistent access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods, preventing and managing chronic disease becomes significantly more challenging.

To help address these disparities, MIRA continues to expand its holistic, community-centered approach to health. This March, MIRA has partnered with UMA Fitness, Massage & Bodywork to launch the second annual Fitness and Nutrition Series. The program includes four free fitness classes open to the public, designed to build strength, confidence, and connection in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

In addition, MIRA is collaborating with Elevar entrepreneur Nourish Mind and Body to offer culturally responsive fitness classes, wellness education focused on prevention and mindful eating, and free health screenings. These services are not only accessible—they are intentionally designed to reflect the lived experiences, traditions, and preferences of the community members we serve.

Together, these efforts represent more than a series of classes—they are part of a larger movement to close health equity gaps in Eagle County. By integrating nutrition, movement, education, and community connection, we are working to ensure that every individual—regardless of income, language, or background—has the opportunity to live a healthy, thriving life.