Just Good Food: What’s Growing?
Colorado Farm & Food Alliance Launches Garden Incubator Plot at the Perennial Farm School
By: Elizabeth Agee
The Just Good Food project was launched in response to the 2020 COVID pandemic as the cornerstone of Colorado Farm and Food Alliance’s Sustainable Farms & Communities program. Initial support came from a Colorado COVID-19 Relief grant, and from the Just Transition Fund.
The COVID Relief grants were a collaborative effort of businesses, foundations, donors, and the State of Colorado to support the crucial work of nonprofit and community groups during the pandemic. The Just Transition Fund is “on a mission to create economic opportunity for the frontline communities and workers hardest hit by the transition away from coal.”
It seems as though COVID helped in our shift toward lasting and all-encompassing change in the way we thrive in terms of food, energy, career and community. In our first year, with the seed starting/planting season fully upon us, we focused on empowering homesteaders and avid gardeners/farmers to plant a row in their gardens to help feed those in need. Some people were inspired and started a garden for the very first time! We provided consulting, seeds, plant starts, distribution services and an opportunity to maintain community connections during a very isolating time.
Grateful to keep hearts and bellies full, we expanded our program to include fruit gleaning at some local orchards. Community members generously allowed a small group of volunteers to come out and break bread, pick fruit to take home and to share. All said and done, we donated over 8,000 lbs of fresh fruit and produce to 3 Native American reservations, 6 food banks, 2 school programs and Zenzen farm who is offering free produce boxes to those in need in Paonia. This year, we are hoping to double that amount and partner with more regional groups to increase our overall efficiency and reach more people experiencing food insecurity…and we need your help!
Volunteer gleaning days at local orchards
Colorado Farm & Food Alliance Launches Garden Incubator Plot
We are more than excited to announce our newest addition to the Just Good Food project: our Garden Incubator Plot at the Perennial Farm School in Paonia, Colorado! Envisioned as the centerpiece to our Just Good Food programming, this will be a space for demonstration projects and plantings, workshops and activities, and much more.
The Garden Incubation Plot at the Perennial Farm School will support our partners and enable our work to create more prosperous farms, healthy lands, and a nourished--in body and mind--community. Featuring a community group collective garden intended to grow food for other local nonprofits like The Learning Council and Kids Pasta Project, the Incubator Plot will also offer four ⅛ acre incubator plots for aspiring farmers. In addition to absorption of investment risks like soil building and irrigation installation, the Colorado Farm & Food Alliance will offer online business skills training and in person skill-building workshops - which are also open to the community and available online for members of the public.
Perennials and Pollinators interplanted into a vegetable garden
Incubators are expected to develop skills and markets, and then transition into their own operation if they want to continue in the business. The incubation component includes an incentive structure to encourage this transition, and paths to scale up for incubators who “graduate.” Programming will include partnerships and pathways including help identifying financing and grants, and locating suitable land. Plot fees start low but double each year with a three year maximum.
Community Supported Agriculture box
For more information about the Garden Incubator Plot at Perennial Farm School and to apply for the program click the button below:
