Turning Community Voices Into Action: Why Data Matters at Eagle Valley Community Foundation

Each year, organizations and communities around the world celebrate Open Data Day, a global initiative that highlights how accessible data can strengthen communities, improve transparency, and drive better decisions.

At Eagle Valley Community Foundation (EVCF), data is not just numbers on a spreadsheet—it is the voice of our community.

By collecting and sharing information about food access, health barriers, and economic opportunity in Eagle County, we are able to better understand the challenges our neighbors face and design programs that respond to real needs.

Listening to the Community

One of the most powerful ways we gather insights is through community surveys and program evaluations.

In 2025, The Community Market conducted its annual customer survey with 236 households across Eagle County. Nearly 80% of responses were completed in Spanish, reflecting the deep trust built with Hispanic and Latino families in our community.

The results revealed something important: many families experiencing food insecurity are working.

More than 75% of respondents reported being employed, yet still struggle with food access due to high housing costs and the rising cost of living in our region.

Customers also shared how The Community Market helps reduce stress, improve nutrition, and support better management of health conditions—demonstrating that food access is directly connected to community health and well-being.

These insights help us improve services like our Mobile Markets, expand food distribution routes, and develop education programs around nutrition and financial stability.

Data That Improves Health Access

Our MIRA (Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance) program also uses community feedback to improve health outreach and education.

In early 2026, MIRA surveyed 153 participants to better understand health barriers and program impact. The findings confirmed what many community members already experience:

• 43% reported difficulty accessing health insurance
• 38% struggle to access healthcare services
• 35% experience food access challenges

Yet the data also showed the power of community-centered services.

Participants reported that MIRA helped them:

• Learn more about their health
• Connect with community resources
• Build healthier habits
• Access preventive care and screenings

Most importantly, 96% of participants reported being satisfied or very satisfied with MIRA services, reflecting the importance of culturally responsive, trusted programs delivered directly in the community.

Data That Builds Economic Opportunity

EVCF also applies data to strengthen economic mobility through Elevar, a program supporting Latino entrepreneurs and small business owners.

A recent program analysis highlighted the importance of mentorship, cultural identity, and community connection in helping entrepreneurs launch businesses and navigate resources.

At the same time, the data also helps us identify opportunities for improvement—such as strengthening alumni engagement, expanding partnerships with local business networks, and building sustainable funding models to support long-term growth.

Why Open Data Matters

Open Data Day reminds us that data becomes powerful when it is shared.

When nonprofits, local governments, researchers, and community members work with the same information, we can:

• Identify systemic challenges
• Coordinate solutions across sectors
• Measure progress over time
• Ensure resources reach those who need them most

For EVCF, data helps transform community stories into action.

It guides how we expand food access, improve health outcomes, and create economic opportunities for families across Eagle County.

From Data to Impact

Behind every data point is a person, a family, or a story.

A parent who can now afford groceries.
A community member who receives a health screening for the first time.
An entrepreneur launching a business that strengthens our local economy.

By listening to our community and using data responsibly, we can continue building programs that respond to real needs and create lasting change.

As we celebrate Open Data Day, we reaffirm a simple but powerful belief:

When communities share knowledge, they create stronger futures together.