Healthy eating depends on the availability of affordable, nutritious food. Therefore, examining food policy and the state of the current food system is an integral part of the healthy communities initiative. A food system includes “every process (and person) involved in feeding a community: growing, harvesting, packaging, transporting, marketing, selling, consuming and disposing of food and food packaging.” Without a stable food system, community members may not be able to obtain adequate nutrition.

The Healthy Communities Team is working to address food access issues for all Eagle County residents to ensure that affordable, nutritious food is readily available by partnering with churches and local food banks. For questions or to get involved, please call Jess Hankins at 970-328-8855.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service provides greater detail regarding food deserts, or when the food system isn’t adequately feeding a certain area of people.