LA PLATA COUNTY, CO — A community-driven initiative in La Plata County is tackling food insecurity while promoting mental wellness and entrepreneurship. The program, Together We Grow, takes place at The Pond Farm, located about 20 minutes south of Durango, where local families are invited to participate in planting, tending, and harvesting organic produce.
This unique initiative, which began as a grassroots project during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers more than just food; it provides a sense of community, health benefits, and even entrepreneurial opportunities.
Fostering Healthier Lives
Families struggling with food insecurity are given the chance to earn fresh produce by volunteering at The Pond Farm, where they help with various farming tasks. Though they aren’t required to work for pay, participants leave with bags full of healthy fruits and vegetables — all while developing healthier eating habits.
Alicia, a participant in the program, shared her experience: “It’s a big blessing because, during the season, I don’t have to spend money purchasing vegetables. My husband was diagnosed with diabetes, and since then, I’ve been incorporating more of these vegetables into our cooking. I am eating healthier, and my kids are eating healthier too. My husband’s results are better — no more diabetes!”
Beyond improving health, the produce also offers families the opportunity to create and sell their own products. This entrepreneurial aspect of the program empowers participants to use the farm’s bounty to generate income and develop skills they can carry into other areas of their lives.
Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being
The initiative also focuses on mental wellness, offering a much-needed resource for families who might otherwise lack access to mental health services. A wellness facilitator supervises the children of participating families, organizing a range of activities such as arts and crafts, yoga, and nature walks to keep the youth engaged and healthy.
According to Mariel Balbuena, Executive Director of the La Plata Family Centers Coalition, which coordinates the program, Together We Grow originated from community discussions during the pandemic. The conversations highlighted the overlapping challenges of food insecurity, mental health, and financial instability. This led to the vision of a community-based farm where people could address these issues simultaneously.
The Evolution of The Pond Farm
The idea for a food production incubator began in 2011 with a small garden behind a local church. Jamie Matthews, a former client of the La Plata Family Centers Coalition, was one of the first beneficiaries of this garden. She recalled, “We were very food insecure, so we used the food bank. They do great work, but I can still smell the rotting potatoes. I kept thinking, ‘Just because I’m poor doesn’t mean I should have to eat bad food.’”
Matthews learned how to garden through church members and, along with her family, benefited from the fresh produce. Eight years later, Matthews and Balbuena were part of a community conversation that would lead to the creation of Together We Grow.
“When COVID happened, Mariel and I gardened the church garden and gave all the produce to the family center,” Matthews said. “That’s what birthed this initiative: we realized that we can’t solve problems like education, housing, or community longevity without first addressing food security.”
By September 2021, the La Plata Family Centers Coalition secured grant funding to establish The Pond Farm, expanding the initiative beyond the original church garden. With the help of this funding, The Pond Farm and its satellite gardens have since produced over 10,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce, which is distributed to 235 families in the region.
Organic Practices for Healthier, Affordable Food
The Pond Farm emphasizes sustainable farming practices, using organic methods to cultivate a variety of crops, including kale, garlic, green onions, cherry tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more. Jen Rast, the farm’s lead farmer, noted that organic farming was a priority because healthier, organic food is often out of reach for food-insecure families.
Alicia shared her appreciation for the farm’s produce, noting that she uses many of the vegetables to create nutritious meals for her family. “I make stuffed eggplants with meat and cheese, and I put them in the oven,” she said. “It was the first time I tried eggplant, and I think that’s what I like the most.”
For Alicia and other participants, Together We Grow is more than just a source of food; it’s a pathway to better health, financial stability, and a stronger sense of community.
A Model for Other Communities
As Together We Grow continues to thrive, it stands as a model for other communities grappling with the interconnected issues of food insecurity, mental health, and economic hardship. By blending food production with entrepreneurship, wellness, and community support, this initiative is proving that sustainable solutions can grow from the ground up.
For more information on Together We Grow or to learn how you can get involved, visit The Pond Farm’s website or reach out to the La Plata Family Centers Coalition.
