Ag & Food Lab

Description: The Market is a direct-to-consumer sales and food box program designed to increase access to fresh locally grown produce for food-insecure communities. Based in Bennett Colorado it will operate a farm stand accept SNAP benefits and promote consumer education about local food. Accomplishments: Over the past year The Market oversaw the construction of a farm stand on the Bennett property secured SNAP authorization and developed key partnerships with community organizations in Adams County that distribute food to those in need. These efforts are strengthening local food access and expanding the reach of fresh nutritious produce to underserved populations.

Description: The Hub is a food business incubator program developed in partnership with Hearty Provisions formerly East Denver Food Hub a local food hub operating a Denver-based cold storage facility. Currently in its planning phase The Hub program provides space and resources to farm and food businesses. Eventually the program will expand to include a commercial processing room and business mentorship for emerging farm and food enterprises. Like The Farm The Hub emphasizes shared infrastructure to support start-up farm and food businesses particularly those addressing gaps in the middle of the supply chain. Additionally The Hub helps small food producers access institutional markets that would otherwise be out of reach. Accomplishments: Over the past year The Hub collaborated with Hearty Provisions to shape the design of a processing facility tailored to the needs of start-up food businesses. To advance this initiative several grant applications were submitted to secure funding for program operations. Additional grant applications were submitted on behalf of Hearty Provisions to sustain its operations and continue providing shared infrastructure to farm and food businesses. As part of The Hub program The Lab also provided consulting services to small farms and food retailers serving low-income low-access neighborhoods supporting the Community Food Access program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.