How To Support Boulder County Farmers During Pandemic

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Local and global produce supply chains have been disrupted amid the spread of the new coronavirus, and many farmers face major challenges. With the spring growing season officially underway in Colorado, there are ways the public can help neighbors and local food producers who are affected by the virus outbreak.

A virtual version of Boulder County Farmers Markets has been launched, BCFM2Go, where you can place your order online and collect it from a drive through.

“Boulder County Farmers Markets is currently running a pick-up and drive through operation where people can preorder veggie boxes with other add-ons like eggs, tortillas, and bread,”Amelia Hulbert, a health specialist at Boulder County Public Health, said in a statement. “We worked closely with them to develop a process to ensure social distancing, minimal contact with bags, hand sanitizing after handling each order, and taking temperatures of staff and volunteers.”

>> Information about how to sign up as a virtual market customer can be found here.

>> A list of all the local farms the virtual market supports can be found here.

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Another way to support your local farmers is by purchasing food from local farm stands. Community Supported Agriculture shares can also be purchased to ensure a steady income for farmers.

>> Find your nearest farm stands and CSA shares here.

Community Food Share, in Louisville, operates a garden share program. Home gardeners can donate freshly picked fruit, vegetables and herbs. Gardeners can pledge to set aside a row of produce to grow, harvest, and donate to those who face food insecurity.

>> Make a pledge to Grow a Row here.

Home gardeners can also grow and donate produce through Colorado State University Extension’s Grow & Give Modern Victory Garden Project. The program offers free resources and training for anyone who would like to grow their own modern day ‘Victory Garden’ — a reference to gardens planted at private residences and public parks during the World Wars to indirectly aid the war effort and boost public morale.

>> Learn more and register your home or community garden here.

Another way to help local farmers is by supporting restaurants that buy from local farms. Many restaurants are offering to-go options that include food items made with local meat, vegetables, cheese, and more. To identify which restaurants are sourcing food and ingredients from local farms, review online menus or call to ask.

>> More information about Boulder County's programs can be found here.

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