Advancing Local Food System Advocacy

Healthy Archuleta, a local non-profit, has been working to advance a vibrant and resilient local food system in Archuleta County. A strong local food system not only improves food access but also supports the local economy, reduces environmental impact, and enhances community well-being. By prioritizing locally sourced food, we can create a more sustainable and interconnected community.

During a recent visit with a Denver representative of Hunger Free Colorado, a statewide non-profit advocacy organization, members of Healthy Archuleta gathered to discuss connecting people in Archuleta County to food—via specialized programs, food access initiatives, and various community outreach actions—and supporting our local food system.

You may be wondering who exactly is Hunger Free Colorado and how does this statewide organization connect to the efforts of Archuleta County? Hunger Free Colorado focuses on two areas, 1) directly connecting Coloradoans with food and 2) advocacy and policy efforts related to increasing food access across the state. Healthy Archuleta, through its local food system efforts, is also interested in these two areas for Archuleta County. This meeting was an opportunity for Healthy Archuleta team members to learn about state-wide food advocacy and policies and for Hunger Free to learn about the grassroots efforts that are happening at a local level. 

Both Hunger Free Colorado and Healthy Archuleta are working towards food systems that create a healthier Colorado, both locally and statewide. Strong advocacy in this arena aims to create a better Colorado, but good decisions can only be made when people step up and give their voices. In line with Healthy Archuleta’s mission in advancing nutrition security, the discussion focused primarily on how to advocate for healthy food access in our local communities. During this meeting, attendees were asked the question: “What does advocacy mean to you?” The responses varied but still maintained a common theme: “Being a voice for a cause, working for change, asking questions, and being a voice for someone who has a need.”

Hunger Free Colorado shared some recent food system policy and advocacy efforts they have worked on, like the Healthy School Meals for All voter initiative and how these ideas move through policy development and implementation. Additionally, the group addressed issues and identified policies that need to change related to individual access to food and food assistance programs; current food policy efforts at the state level; the Federal nutrition program—where the resources come into the state and community—and whether these programs are accessible and adequate. In working with organizations like Hunger Free Colorado, Healthy Archuleta strives to understand the importance of advocacy and policy issues, how advocacy influences policy, and how advocacy affects local healthy food access. Hunger Free Colorado has offered to help identify which local, state, and federal levers to use in determining policy change. Thank you to Hunger Free Colorado and the team members of Healthy Archuleta who prove that building relationships is key to successful advocacy.