Food and Resilience: More Than a Metaphor
Food touches every part of our lives, from our health to our economy, environment and communities. In times of uncertainty and climate disruption, how we grow, source and prepare our food matters more than ever. At Slow Food Boulder County, we believe a good, clean and fair food system is possible, and it starts right where we are.
5 Accessible Actions for Food Resilience
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- 1. Cook at home with seasonal ingredients
- 2. Spend smarter, not more
- 3. Grow what you can
- 4. Share and support the commons
- 5. Reduce waste; compost what you can
1. Cook at Home with Seasonal Ingredients
Cooking at home isn’t just a budget-friendly option; it’s a way to reclaim agency over your food choices. By using seasonal ingredients grown in your region, you support local farmers, reduce your carbon footprint, and get more flavorful, nutritious meals on your plate.
Farmer markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs are great ways to explore what’s in season. Seasonal cooking can feel limiting at first, but with the right approach, it becomes an opportunity for creativity and connection. Check out Slow Food Boulder County’s growing library of seasonal recipes for inspiration, and don’t hesitate to swap ideas with neighbors, friends, or even the farmers themselves.
2. Spend Smarter, Not More
You don’t need to overhaul your budget to support the local food economy. Instead, shift your spending toward a few key staples where quality and sourcing make a big difference. Consider joining a CSA. While there’s an upfront cost, the return over a season is immense in both quantity and quality. You’ll eat what’s freshest and most nutritious, often for less than what you’d spend at the grocery store over time.
Some local producers worth considering include Moxie Bread Co. for local grains and fresh-milled flours, Buckner Ranch for grass-fed and pasture-raised heritage beef, pork, and lamb, and Longmont Dairy for dairy delivery.
3. Grow What You Can
You don’t need a backyard to grow food. A sunny windowsill can host a few pots of herbs, while a patio or balcony can grow lettuces, tomatoes, and peppers in containers. If you do have space, consider starting a garden with a few high-yield crops like zucchini, kale, or green beans.
Growing your own food connects you to the seasons and the work that goes into feeding ourselves. It also builds resilience – herbs can be dried and stored for winter, produce can be preserved or shared, and gardening knowledge can be passed along or exchanged with neighbors.
4. Share and Support the Commons
Food becomes more resilient when it’s shared. This might mean splitting a CSA share with a friend, organizing a neighborhood produce swap, or simply offering your surplus tomatoes to someone who could use them.
Get involved with local organizations doing food justice work, seed libraries, or tool-sharing collectives. These are more than resources – they’re networks of mutual aid that help our community thrive, especially in hard times. Supporting local food policies that remove barriers to growing or distributing food is another way to advocate for broader access and resilience.
5. Reduce Waste; Compost What You Can
Up to 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste – much of it at the household level. Reducing waste is one of the easiest and most impactful things we can do. Plan meals, store food properly, and get creative with leftovers. And when food scraps are unavoidable, composting turns them into something useful.
Whether you use Boulder’s curbside compost service or start your own bin, composting returns nutrients to the soil and keeps organic waste out of landfills. Learn more about community resources like Community Fruit Rescue and how you can reduce waste in your own home.
The Importance of Community Involvement
At Slow Food Boulder County, we believe a good, clean and fair food system is possible, and it starts right where we are. By taking these five accessible actions, you can build food resilience in your home and community.
A Call to Action
Boulder County food banks need help. With the recent cuts in funding, these agencies are struggling to provide support to those in need. Consider volunteering, donating food or cash, or organizing a drive for the organizations listed below.
Some of these organizations include Community Food Share, Emergency Family Assistance Association, Sister Carmen Community Center, Boulder Food Rescue, Longmont Food Rescue, Harvest of Hope Pantry, Community Food Share, Nederland Food Pantry, OUR Center, and Grow a Row.
Slow Food Boulder County is committed to supporting local food policies that promote food resilience and sustainability. Join us in this effort and take the first step towards building a stronger, more resilient food system in your home and community.
Resources
- Farow At Home
- Moxie Bread Co.
- Buckner Ranch
- Longmont Dairy
- Colorado Grain Chain
- Community Food Share
- Community Fruit Rescue
Getting Involved
Join Slow Food Boulder County and take action towards building a stronger, more resilient food system in your home and community. Contact us to learn more about our initiatives and programs.
Boulder County Food Banks Need Help
What’s Happening
Boulder County food banks need help after recent funding cuts. These agencies are struggling to provide support to those in need. Consider volunteering, donating food or cash, or organizing a drive for the organizations listed below.
Organizations in Need of Support
- Community Food Share
- Emergency Family Assistance Association
- Sister Carmen Community Center
- Boulder Food Rescue
- Longmont Food Rescue
- Harvest of Hope Pantry
- Nederland Food Pantry
- OUR Center
- Grow a Row
How You Can Help
Join the effort to support local food banks and organizations. Donate food, cash, or your time to help those in need. Contact Slow Food Boulder County for more information on how you can get involved.
Slow Food Boulder County
About Us
Slow Food Boulder County is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting local, sustainable, and organic food. Our mission is to create a good, clean, and fair food system that benefits our community and the environment.
Get Involved
Contact us to learn more about our initiatives and programs. Join our efforts to build a stronger, more resilient food system in your home and community.
Connect with Us
Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our latest news and initiatives. Contact us to get involved and make a difference in your community.
Lisa Balcom
Lisa Balcom is the owner of Farow at Home and a board member of Slow Food Boulder County. She is dedicated to promoting local, sustainable, and organic food in our community.
John Lehndorff
John Lehndorff is a member of Slow Food Boulder County and a contributor to our initiatives.