We would like to explore a new way of messaging and communicating the value of eating local/regional foods as building blocks of our community’s environment, economics, and wellness. Let's start by featuring foods that are home grown in Archuleta County. These foods can provide us with variety and healthful benefits.
Featuring Some of Our Local/Regional Foods...
Check out the health benefits and sample recipes for each food by clicking on the picture. ENJOY!
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Our Food Choices...
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How often do we think about how our food choices affects us, our family, and our community? We probably think more about how our food choices affects us and our families than our community. This is not unusual, since most of us primarily interact with our food system by getting, preparing, and eating food. Some of us are involved in growing and producing our food. Some of us grow and produce for others. And, some of us are involved in preparing and getting food to others.
Dietary Influencers...There are multiple factors that influence our food choices, such as taste, availability, affordability, living situation, age, and culture. During our community food assessment, community members shared how availability and affordability determines food choices and access to healthier options. Research shows living situation and age also influence food choices. Cultural food preferences are passed down through families and supported by communities.
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Dietary Impacts...At the individual and family level, our food choices may be influenced by our desire to promote health and prevent disease. At the community level, our food choices may influence our physical environment in conjunction with food security among people. For example, when we choose to eat produce, we are telling the growers, distributors, and markets that we want produce that is available and affordable for all. When we choose to eat local produce, we are sending the same message to those involved in the local food system. Other drivers of food security include, purchasing power, education, policies and regulations, and demographic changes. When we choose to recognize that our food choices may affect food equity in our community, we are sending the message that we don't want anyone in our community to feel food insecure at anytime.
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Keeping in mind that our food choices has potential bearing on our community, let us consider these four main concepts: 1) health promotion, 2) disease prevention, 3) supporting regenerative agriculture, and 4) advancing food equity. More information about each of these concepts are forthcoming.
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Health Promotion Regenerative Agriculture |
Disease Prevention Advancing Food Equity |