What Our Neighbors Told Us: Insights from The Community Market’s 2025 Customer Survey

This fall, The Community Market (TCM) paused to listen—to the families, seniors, and individuals who rely on our Market each month. This year, 236 households across Eagle County shared their experiences through our 2025 Customer Survey, with nearly 80% of responses completed in Spanish. The results offer a powerful snapshot of both the challenges our neighbors face and the impact your support makes possible.

Food Insecurity Is a Reality for Working Families

One of the clearest findings from the survey is that food insecurity is no longer limited to unemployment. More than 75% of respondents reported being employed full-time, part-time, or in other work arrangements. Yet, high housing costs, rising expenses, and economic pressures continue to leave many families struggling to put food on the table.

More than half of respondents shared that they worry about running out of food or not having enough money to buy more. While about 31% reported no food insecurity—an encouraging sign of stability—many families are still living one unexpected expense away from crisis.

A Trusted Resource That Reduces Stress and Improves Health

Despite these challenges, customers consistently told us that The Community Market is making a meaningful difference in their lives. Families reported reduced stress and anxiety around food, improved nutrition, and better management of health conditions thanks to reliable access to fresh, healthy options.

As one customer shared, “The Community Market helps me stay above water financially and gives me hope to get ahead.” Another reflected on the dignity they experience at the Market: “The staff takes all the shame away and replaces it with an easy-going ‘welcome.’”

Mobile Markets Are Expanding Access

Sixty percent of respondents reported using The Community Market’s Mobile Market program regularly or occasionally, confirming its importance for rural communities, seniors, and neighbors with transportation barriers. Customers expressed interest in more flexible schedules, additional locations, and greater food variety—clear guidance as we continue expanding this critical access point across Eagle County.

High Satisfaction, Deep Trust

More than 90% of respondents rated The Community Market a 4 or 5 out of 5. Staff friendliness, accessibility, and food quality received the highest praise, reinforcing what we hear every day: trust and relationships matter just as much as food.

A Community Ready for More Opportunity

Beyond food access, survey participants expressed strong interest in nutrition and cooking classes, job readiness support, financial education, and health and wellness programs. These priorities closely align with EVCF’s integrated approach—connecting The Community Market with MIRA’s health services and Elevar’s economic mobility programs to support whole-family stability.

Who We Serve

The survey reflects the lived realities of our neighbors:

• 75% identify as Hispanic/Latino
• 70% prefer Spanish as their primary language
• The largest age group is 30–59, working caregivers
• 16% are seniors, many facing mobility and income constraints

These insights reinforce the importance of culturally responsive, bilingual, and community-based services.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Customer Survey confirms that The Community Market is an essential stabilizing force for working families, seniors, and Latine community members across Eagle County. At the same time, it highlights a clear desire for growth—toward education, opportunity, and long-term well-being.

Thanks to you, we are not only meeting immediate needs but also helping our neighbors build stronger, more secure futures. Together, we are listening, learning, and creating new chapters—one family at a time.