Bounty Spring 2017

GROWING SEASON 2017

Local Food and Farm Guide

URBAN

homesteading From the farm to your table

WEEKLY FRESHNESS FROM A CSA

Sharing your bounty YOUR GUIDE TO

FARMERS MARKETS AND FARM STANDS

CONNECTING h CROPS TO CUISINE Restaurants sourcing local food

Find Your Bounty at the

Boar & Bull

BoarandBull.com • Locally-sourced Animals • 1/2 and 1/4 Cuts Available • Deli & Full Tavern with 11 Local Beers on Tap! • Veteran Owned/Operated

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970-599-1090 422 East 4th Street Loveland, CO NO ANTIBIOTICS NO STEROIDS NO HORMONES

All Natural makes all the difference.

WE OFFER

Everything you eat starts with how it is raised and how it gets to you. Know what you and your family are eating.

• Black Angus cattle selected for high marbling genetics, locally farm-raised in large pastures in a low stress environment • NEVER EVER given antibiotics, hormones, or steroids or fed animal by-products • Available by quarter, half, or whole, cut and packaged just the way you want it • Dry-aged 21 days for tender, moist, consistently great flavor.

www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com (970) 222-7147 • Rbluesky8@msn.com • Windsor, CO Please request a cutting instruction sheet to place your order.

LET US SHARE WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS, AND SAFE NATURAL BEEF WITH A TASTE YOU CAN TRUST.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER FROM THE MINUTE the crocuses poke through the dirt, I get excited about growing season. I begin to mentally map out this year’s version of my garden and I look forward to all the fresh, local produce I’m going to eat at restaurants and from small growers. I’m guessing you share my enthusiasm.

We’re thankful to Kristina Cash and Fortified Collaborations for having the vision to launch Bounty, Local Food & Farm Guide, a few years ago. It is a great resource for our NoCo community that helps showcase the great food culture we have here. We are excited to have the opportunity to keep it going.

Cheers, Scott Publisher, Rocky Mountain Publishing

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONSIDER A CSA MEMBERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . 6 LOCAL PRODUCER LISTINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 FARMERS MARKETS & FARM STANDS. . . . 10 THE JOY OF URBAN HOMESTEADING. . . . . . 12 CONNECTING CROPS TO CUISINE. . . . . . . . . 16 SHARE YOUR BOUNTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Publisher: Scott Titterington Editor: Kristin Titterington Creative Director: Emily Zaynard Advertising Sales Director: Greg Hoffman Contributing Writers: Katie Harris, Lea Hanson.

Copyright Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc., 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80521. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is prohibited.

Curious about

Solar?

No Hormones, Steroids Or Antibiotics, USDA Inspected Steaks, Roasts, Sausage and Jerky Individual Cuts Or Custom Packages Available Available At Local Retailers, Farmers Markets or Online

Ask a Realtor® at:

Realtors making Solar happen™

www.renewablue.com

NOW

OFFERING

a 2017

Meat and Egg CSA

OUR FARM PRODUCES

meat and eggs you can trust

Half and Whole Hog

orders available. ...................................................

Weekly Farm Store Hours

folks can find pastured pork, eggs, chicken, lamb and beef. ...................................................

Information on our CSA, Farm Store and other ways to buy can be found at:

WWW.JODARFARMS.COM

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CONSIDERING A CSA MEMBERSHIP THIS YEAR? Support local farms and receive a fresh produce LEA HANSON

THE SPRING HARVEST is upon us, and in many communities, the last call to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group is right around the corner. For those unfamiliar, a CSA is a group whose members receive weekly shares of food from a certain farm (or groups of farms) in the region.

Being in a CSA is a commitment, and you can’t just swoop in to pick out your produce without signing up first.

Fortunately, the number of CSAs has grown rapidly over the last few years, and in northern Colorado alone, there are more than 20 CSAs taking members and more sprouting each year. Most CSAs offer a few membership options (half or full share, weekly or biweekly pickup, etc.) and range in prices averaging around $400 per season (usually 20-24 weeks).

Once you’ve found a CSA in your area, joining is usually as simple as filling out your information on the group’s website or placing a phone call. You’ll often have to pay for your seasonal share up-front. Oftentimes, you’ll receive a welcome kit with information about the farm and the farmers you’re supporting, how you can get involved on the farm,

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and how the delivery schedule is structured. At this point, you sit back, relax, and wait for the food to roll in.

But before making the leap and investing in a CSA, consider whether the program is right for you—and which farm is the right one for you to support.

Weigh the many pros and cons; the summer can be an unexpected time—for you and that farm.

PRO: You’re supporting a local farmer sans middleman. Most CSA groups receive all their produce from one farm.

Therefore, your contribution means a lot to the farm’s financial security, which can be so fragile and vulnerable to chance (weather conditions, slow days at the farmers market, etc.). By paying upfront, you’re ensuring the farm sales throughout the season.

CON: You’re limited to that farm.

What if that farm’s tomatoes get flea beetles? Or you find you don’t care for their bumper crop of cucumbers? Unfortunately, you’re beholden to those offerings once you join and most often aren’t offered an opportunity to give up your membership.

PRO: The food is fresh. CSAs are a literal farm-to-table option. Your food is typically harvested days or hours before pickup and is rarely grown with harmful fertilizers or preservatives.

CONS: You must be ready to use the food you get. You get what you get and when you get it. Sometimes you get only leafy greens and sometimes none. It’s a good idea to look into the basics of preserving food for those weeks when you receive too much of one type of food to avoid waste.

PRO: Try new, healthier foods. Even those of us who grow our own food already often don’t have space or capacity for large gardens. Most farmers often throw in crops you’re unfamiliar with, giving you delicious weekly surprises.

CON: You might not like everything.

Even if you don’t have picky eaters in your home, you may not like each type of item you receive in your weekly share.

Or, you may not know how to prepare it in a way you can eat it. This may require some additional research and time on your part to learn a new food preparation skill.

PRO: It’s interactive. CSAs are often set up with a community feel. You have the opportunity to meet and get to know the farmers who run it as well as other members. While it may not be required, there is often opportunity to volunteer at the farm itself.

CON: There are requirements. As noted above, some CSAs require volunteer work. Ask questions about this and weigh the requirements against your time availability and interests.

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Local Producers BEEF

2 R’s Farm 19361 Hwy. 61, Platteville www.colorado.com/farm-ranchactivities/2-rs-farm, 970-737-2689

DAIRY

EGGS

FISH

Blue Bench Farms (CSA) 33772 Hwy. 257, Windsor www.bluebenchfarms.com

FLOWERS & HERBS

HONEY

MUSHROOMS

MUTTON

PORK

POULTRY

PRODUCE

Colorado Best Beef 4791 Jay Rd., Boulder www.naturalbeef.com 303-449-8632

Donoma Farms (CSA) 10018 WCR 110, Carr www.donomafarms.com 303-408-3464

Colorado Honey Co. Fort Collins www.beeyondthehive.com 970-405-0709

Double Dig Farm (CSA) 8851 US Hwy. 34, Loveland www.Doubledigfarm.net 413-427-8458

Colorado Wise Acres Farm 8695 CR 29 1/2, Fort Lupton www.coloradowiseacresfarm.com 303-808-8504

Ela Family Farms 30753 L Rd., Hotchkiss www.elafamilyfarms.com 970-872-3488

Copoco’s Honey 2020 N. College Ave., Fort Collins www.copocoshoney.com 970-493-2923

Ewe Bet Ranch 1850 E. Hwy. 60 Loveland www. ewebetranch.com 970-203-4267

Craig Angus Ranch 3785 Mount Flora St., Fort Collins www.craigangusranch.com 970-482-8687

Fair Eliza’s Flowers (CSA) 5389 Hwy. 1, Fort Collins www.fairelizasflowers.com 970-214-8983

Buena Vida 8204 S. CR 3, Fort Collins www.buenavidafarm.com 970-305-2182

Croft Family Farm (CSA) 29060 CR 388, Kersey www.croftfamilyfarm.com 970-371-1378

Fossil Creek Farms (CSA) 7100 Silver Mist Ln., Fort Collins www.fossilcreekfarmsllc.com 970-980-4096

Big Willy’s Farm 300 42nd St. SW, Loveland www.bigwillysfarm.com

C&R Farms 3620 F Rd., Palisade www.candrfarms.com 970-464-7544

D&H Farms (CSA) 41373 Highway 85, Ault www.dhfarms2000.com 970-396-1182

Friendly Critters Farm 3915 N. CR 19, Fort Collins www.friendlycrittersfarm.com 407-766-6049

Blue Barrel Farm (CSA) 40907 CR 15, Fort Collins www.bluebarrelfarm.com 970-484-5836

Carrie’s Clucks (CSA) 35484 CR 49, Eaton www.carriesclucks.com 970-213-4902

Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org/ 303-772-9611

Front Range Apiaries 4130 Hayes Ave., Wellington 970-568-3533

Amy & Ellen’s Grass Fed Beef 181 Lazy D Ranch Rd., Bellvue www.barncatservices.com/beef, 970-881-2147 Anders Farm 8443 US Hwy. 85, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/AndersFarm-138514266184151/ 303-857-6321 Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com 970-493-3853 Bayberry Fresh (Year-round CSA) 167 W. CR 66E, Fort Collins www.bayberryfresh.com 719-580-3236 Bee Squared Apiaries 1617 White Water Ct., Berthoud www.bethsbees.com 970-213-3099

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Blue Sky Farm Windsor www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com 970-222-7147 Blush Flowers on Vine (CSA) 1428 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins www.blushflowersonvine.com 970-217-8505 Bracewell Produce 30951 CR 27, Greeley www.bracewellproduce.com 970-225-2949 Bucking Horse Farm (CSA) 1957 Jessup Dr., Fort Collins www.buckinghorsneighborhood. com/new-products/ 970-631-8041

Gaia’s Farm and Gardens (CSA) 4328 W. CR 54G, LaPorte www.gaiascsa.com, 970-817-2186 Garden Sweet (CSA) 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com 970-889-4922 Good Grin Farm 2925 W. Mulberry St., Fort Collins www.goodgrinfarm.com 720-206-7917 Grant Farms (CSA) 12155 N. CR 15, Wellington www.grantfarms.com, 970-568-7654 Green Dog Farm (CSA) 1807 W. Vine Dr.,Fort Collins www.greendogfarmcsa.com

LaVida Greens 125 N. Sherwood St., Fort Collins www.facebook.com/LaVidaGreens 970-744-5558

Motherlove Organic Farm 1420 Riverside Ave., Ste. 114 Fort Collins, www.motherlove.com 888-209-8321

Sláinte Farm (CSA) 4892 W. CR 56, Laporte www.slaintefarm.com 970-889-1436

Lazy Bee Ranch 2503 CR 47, Hudson www.lazybeeranchhoney.com

Native Hill Farm (CSA) 2100 CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com 970-217-8964

Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.SunnydazeGardens.com 970-223-7008

On the Vine at Richmond Farms (CSA) 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins www.onthevineatrichmondfarms.com 970-443-4011

Sunray Natural (CSA) Fort Collins, www.sunraynatural.farm 970-980-9393

Leffler Family Farm & Local Motion CSA, (CSA) 37414 CR 29, Eaton www.lefflerfarms.com 970-689-2355 Liberty Home Grown Produce 703 Aspen Grove Way, Severance www.facebook.com/ libertyhomegrownproduce 970-685-0500

h-Beef Platteville, www.h-beef.com 970-381-1429

Lindenmeier Farm(CSA) 1409 Lindenmeier Rd., Fort Collins www.facebook.com/Linden meierFarm-163476930377064/

Happy Heart Farm (CSA) 2820 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins, www.happy heartfarmcsa.com, 970-482-3448

Living Water Ranch Fort Collins www.livingwaterranchcolorado.com 970-219-8001

Harvest Farm (CSA) Wellington, www.harvestfarm.net 970-568-9803

Long Shadow Farm (CSA) 101 Bothun Rd., Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com 970-232-6667

Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 Carpenter Rd., Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com 970-226-0978 Heritage Lavender, LLC 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com 303-514-6504 High Point Bison LLC 68810 WCR 111, Pine Bluffs, WY www.highpointbison.com 970-895-3303 Hill’s Harvest 3225 E. 124th Ave., Thornton www.Hillsharvest.com 303-451-5637 Hoffman Farms, LLC 33177 Pikes Peak Dr., Greeley www.hopsandpeppers.com 970-978-6765 Jodar Farms (CSA) 5100 E. CR 48 , Fort Collins www.jodarfarms.com 970-391-2825 Kiowa Valley Organics Roggen www.kiowavalleyorganics.com

Lukens Farm 9378 CR 78, Fort Collins www.facebook.com/LukensFarms 303-579-2668 Lyons Farmette (CSA) 4121 Ute Hwy., Lyons www.lyonsfarmette.com 303-746-6266 Masonville Orchards Masonville www.masonvilleorchard.com 970-231-6399 Mazzotti Farms 2628 WCR 49, Hudson www.mazzottifarms.com 303-536-4089 Meadowmaid Foods (CSA) 1333 Rd. 50, Yoder, WY www.meadowmaidfoods.com 307-534-2289 Miller Farms (CSA) 13912 CR 19, Platteville www.millerfarms.net 970-785-6133 Monroe Organic Farm (CSA) 25525 WCR 48, Kersey www.monroefarm.com 970-284-7941

Papa Joe’s Local Honey 1309 Westridge Dr., Loveland www.facebook.com/ PapaJoesLocalHoney/ 970-593-2800

Sunrise Ranch (CSA) 100 Sunrise Ranch Rd., Loveland https://sunriseranch.org 970-679-4200

Quatrix Aquaponics LaPorte, www.quatrix.us

Sunspot Urban Farm (CSA) 1004 and 1008 Sunset Ave. Fort Collins www.sunspoturbanfarm. squarespace.com, 970-556-5942

Raindrop Retreat (CSA) 6410 Placer Ct., Bellvue www.raindropretreat.com 970-493-0799

Sylvan Dale Ranch 2939 N. CR 31D, Loveland www.sylvandale.com 970-667-3915

Raisin Roots Farm (CSA) 2229 W. Vine Dr., Fort Collins www.facebook.com/raisinroots 443-863-0677

The Growing Project at Hope Farms 1601 N. Shields St., Fort Collins www.thegrowingproject.org 970-587-3827

Raspberry Hill Farm 13350 N. CR 15, Wellington www.raspberryhill.farm 970-568-7424 Red Dirt Farms 609 E CR 70, Wellington 970-817-3679 Red Dog Expressions Fort Collins www.reddogexpressions. wordpress.com Rock Ridge Ranch 8851 W. US Hwy. 34, Loveland http://diemer45.firstcloudit.com/ rrbeef/index.html 970-663-6624 Rock Soup Ranch 2420 E. CR 68, Wellington https://www.facebook.com/ RockSoupRanch/ Sauer Family Beef 6681 CR 50, Johnstown www.sauerfamilybeef.com 970-587-2112 Scarecrow Gardens 2235 N. 47th Ave., Greeley www.scarecrowgardens.com 970-420-0163

Tigges Farm 12404 WCR 64 ½, Greeley www.tiggesfarm.com 970-576-8970 Top Notch All Natural Meats Pierce, www.topnotchmeats.com 970-834-1449 Von Trotha-Firestien Farm at Bracewell 30951 WCR 27, Greeley www.bracewellfarm.com 970-686-2338 Westbridge Farms 1225 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins www.westbridgefarms.com 970-988-0579 WiseAcres Greenhouse 3545 W. O St., Greeley www.facebook.com/WiseAcresGreenhouse-288246033683/ 970-302-8880 Wooly Goat Farms(CSA) 117 S. Taft Hill Rd., Fort Collins www.woollygoatfarm.com 970-599-4756

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Farmers

MARKETS Berthoud Local Farmers Market Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud Saturdays, 9am-1pm, June 24-Sept. 30 www.berthoudlocal.org/farmers-market/

Downtown Mead Farmers Market Mead Town Park Sundays, 10am-1pm, June 26-Sept. 25 www.townofmead.org

CAMC Fort Collins Farmers Market Harmony Rd. and Lemay Ave. in front of Ace Hardware Sundays, 11am-3pm, May 1-mid Nov. (weather permitting) Wednesdays, 11am-3pm, June 15-Sept. www.fortcollinsfm.com

Drake Road Farmers Market 802 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins Saturdays, 10am-1pm, April 22-Sept. 30 www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com

CAMC Loveland Farmers Market 3133 N. Garfield Ave. (Hwy. 287) in front of Hobby Lobby Saturdays, 9am-1pm, June 4-Sept.

Tuesdays, 11am-3pm, June 7-Oct. www.fortcollinsfm.com City of Loveland Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave. Sundays, 9am-1:30pm, June 25-Sept. 24, www. cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

Erie Farmers Market Briggs Street in downtown Erie Thursdays, 5-8pm, May 18-Sept. 22 http://realfarmersmarketco.com/erie-farmersmarket/ Estes Valley Farmers Market Bond Park on E. Elkhorn Ave. Thursdays, 8am-1pm, June 1-Sept. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket Greeley Farmers Market at the Depot 902 7th Ave. Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May 20-Sept. 30 www.greeleygov.com/fm

FARM STANDS Anders Farm 8443 US Hwy. 8, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/AndersFarm-138514266184151/ Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com Blue Bench Farm 33772 Hwy. 257, Windsor www.bluebenchfarms.com Carrie’s Clucks 35484 CR 49, Eaton www.carriesclucks.com

Johnstown Milliken Farmers Market Tuesdays, 3-6pm, Senior Life parking lot, 401 Broad St., June 13-Oct. 27 Fridays, 9am-2pm, at Central Park on Main and Franklin Streets, May 12-Oct. 27 www.facebook.com/Johnstown-FarmersMarket-131268183573123/ Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., Fort Collins Saturdays, 8am-12noon, May 20-Oct. 28 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org Louisville Farmers Market 824 Front St., Louisville Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May 20-Oct. 14 www.realfarmersmarketco.com Wellington Farmers Market Centennial Park, 3815 Harrison Ave. Thursdays, 4-8pm, June 20-Oct. 20 www.wellingtoncofarmersmarket.org

Something about being on a farm just feels good. The pace feels relaxed and your interactions, maybe, more genuine. So swing by a farm stand soon and pick up some deliciousness while you’re at it.

Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com

Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. 0 St., Greeley www.hopsandpeppers.com

Ollin Farms 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com

Good Grin Farm 2925 W. Mulberry St., Fort Collins www.goodgrinfarm.com

Jessup Farm Artisan Village Pop-Up Farm Stand 1957 Jessup Dr., Fort Collins www.jessupfarm.com/ events-1/2017/6/4/pop-up-farmstand

On the Vine at Richmond Farms 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins www.onthevineatrichmondfarms. com

Green Dog Farm Fort Collins www.greendogfarmcsa.com Happy Heart Farm 2820 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins www.happyheartfarmcsa.com

Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org/

Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.), Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

Gaia’s Farm and Gardens 4328 W. CR 54G, Laporte www.gaiascsa.com

Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com

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It’s the best day of the week... that day you get to wander around the Farmers Market and check out all the fresh produce.

Or maybe you go for the fresh plants for your garden or the meats and breads and sauces and other locally made products.

Stop by some of these markets.

Jodar Farms 5100 E. CR 48, Fort Collins www.jodarfarms.com Long Shadow Farm 101 Bothun Rd., Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.com Native Hill Farm 2100 W. CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com

Papa Joe’s Honey 4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/ PapaJoesLocalHoney Red Dirt Farms 609 E. CR 70, Wellington Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.tiggesfarm.com

Fortified Farm Dinners

Fort Collins 1st Sunday Supper JUNE 11

FirstBank, Old Town

Heart of Summer JULY 30

Happy Heart Farm

3 Forks Progressive AUGUST 20

La Familia, Raisin’ Roots and The Growing Project at Hope Farms

Harvest Moon Salmon Bake SEPTEMBER 10

Fossil Creek Farms

Bounty & Brews Beer Dinner OCTOBER 14

Bath Garden Center & Nursery

Mad Farmer Dinner NOVEMBER 4

Hope Farms

www.FortifiedCollaborations.com/tickets New for 2017: Season Tickets Available A series of community dinners on farms around Fort Collins, each benefitting a local non profit.

CULTIVATING SPONSORS:

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THE

Joy OF

urban homesteading Katie Harris

Raise your own food in whatever space you have

THERE’S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT knowing where your food comes from. That’s the motto Kristin Ramey, owner of the Long Shadow Farm poultry CSA in Berthoud lives by.

Ramey and her husband raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, lambs and steer on their six acres just a few miles west of town.

“Our original plan was to be self-sustaining,” says Ramey. “Then the first thing my husband did when we moved here was to buy 100 chickens.

Now we sell eggs and meat to people, and we get veggies from our neighbors.”

Ramey and her husband have mastered the art of raising their own food— one that takes practice, patience, and one

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might think a decent amount of land. But according to Ramey, they’d be wrong.

“If you have ownership of even a tiny slice of land you can grow food and make that land productive,” she says. “Growing your own food is about taking the best care of the land you do have, and finding ways to get something back from it.”

Mike Costanzo, who serves as co-director of Berthoud’s nonprofit food growers association Berthoud Local, is living proof of what can be done with small acreage.

Costanzo and his wife own Lake Hollow Homestead, a micro-farm consisting of just over an acre of land. The two raise chickens and grow just about

every vegetable you can name, and they grow enough of it to last all year long.

“On an acre you could raise poultry, keep a milk cow, and grow all the produce you could want and more,” says Costanzo.

“But there’s a tremendous amount you can do on less than an acre too.”

Constanzo says he and his wife use only a very small portion of their land to grow food, but find themselves preserving and selling off a great deal of excess each year. The two even rent a booth at the local farmer’s market, where they sell cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, beets, onions, carrots, beans, peas and more.

The garden at Lake Hollow Homestead consists of two- to three-foot wide

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR URBAN HOMESTEADERS

Introduction to Urban Homesteading, May 6, $18 Connie Meyer offers tips and strategies for beginners. Topics include gardening, backyard chickens, beekeeping, weaving, canning, soaps and more. Register in advance, online at: http://bit.ly/2oOwdxT How to butcher chickens, May 21, $20 Kristen Ramey of Long Shadow Farm teaches the art of butchering meat birds with opportunities for hands-on experience. Pre-registration required. www.berthoudlocal.org/community-education/#Chickens NoCo Urban Homestead Tour, July 22, $15/adult, ages 12 and under are free Tour six homesteads in the Fort Collins and Loveland areas, while learning about raising backyard chickens, beekeeping, growing edibles, and everything else it takes to achieve self-sustainability. Proceeds benefit Loveland Youth Gardeners and Gardens on Spring Creek.

Tickets on sale now. www.lovelandyouthgardeners.org/uht/

semi-permanent raised beds, which Costanzo cultivates and amends year after year, but he didn’t start there. In the early years, Costanzo says he learned in smaller garden settings through trial and error.

“Any size is a good place to start,” says Costanzo. “From personal experience there’s no better way to learn than from your failures. You learn a little more each year and I don’t think you ever stop learning.”

Ramey suggests that a pot or two on the back balcony is as good a place to start as any. She recommends lettuce as a great choice for beginning gardeners, which can be seeded week after week for high yields all season long.

“Anyone with a passion for food can grow it,” she says. “It can be a lot of work but it’s also very rewarding.”

For the urban dweller interested in adding livestock to their homestead, Ramey says poultry is the easiest place to start.

“Chickens are easy to care for and just a couple hens can produce enough eggs for the whole family” she says. “The second step would be turning those chickens into food, whether they’re extra roosters or older hens, or by raising meat birds.”

Ramey advises potential homesteaders to research local regulations before starting out with poultry or other livestock. In Larimer County for example, a property owner may keep up to

six hens unless they live in a zone, such as farming or rural, which allows more.

There are also certain requirements for chicken coop design and functionality within the county.

“Not only should you find out what your county, city and HOA allow before getting started, you also need to research the needs of the animal or plant you are considering,” says Ramey. “This may include reinforcing fencing, building shelters or choosing a space to plant.”

Both Ramey and Costanzo say homesteading is not about making money. Ramey, who works full time as an engineer, says despite a thriving business selling meat to customers in the local community, growing food has never been a big source of income for her.

“Homesteading, for me, is about knowing where your food comes from,” says Ramey. “Particularly if you’re worried about chemicals or preservatives, the benefit of growing your own food is that you can grow what you like and know exactly what’s in it.”

Costanzo says that, while learning how to preserve the food he grows by freezing, canning, drying and fermenting has helped monetarily, it’s the experience of growing and raising animals that he loves.

‘We homestead because of the joy it brings us,” he says. “We eat out of our own backyard all summer long. For us playing in the dirt is an inexpensive hobby that allows us to save a little on groceries at the same time.”

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PATIO FRIENDS FUN

5 OLD TOWN SQUARE | FORT COLLINS

Motherlove is now the proud operator of an organic farm and educational community center on the Front Range.

The 120 acre farm provides local, sustainable, certified organic herbs for Motherlove’s products, as well as traditional organic grains and vegetables for our tables and other’s.

Join us for classes on growing, harvesting and preparing herbs for use in personal care products, as well as herb identification for edible and medicinal plants. Learn the importance of organics in the food industry, biodiversity and other environmental issues, including water conservation.

Please contact mother@motherlove.com for additional information.

www.motherlove.com | 15

Connecting Crops to Cuisine Eating locally doesn’t have to stop when you leave your kitchen. Here’s a select listing of restaurants and food trucks that include locally produced food in their menus: Ace Gillett’s www.acegillets.com, 970-449-4797 239 S. College Ave., Fort Collins Underground bar offering small plates and mains, cocktails and live jazz music.

FoCo Café www.fococafe.org 225 Maple St., Fort Collins Nonprofit, lunch spot that makes healthy meals accessible to all.

Austin’s American Grill www.austinsamericangrill.com 100 W. Mountain Ave., Fort Collins, 970-224-9691 2815 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins, 970-267-6532 American dishes with Southwestern touches, casual with a sidewalk cafe.

Jay’s Bistro www.jaysbistro.net, 970-482-1876 135 W. Oak St., Fort Collins Swanky, special-occasion American eatery filled with art, serving up seasonal fare and live jazz.

Café Vino www.cafevino.com, 970-212-3399 1200 S. College Ave., Fort Collins Wine bar serving tapas, cocktails and craft beers.

Chimney Park www.chimneypark.com, 970-686-1477 406 Main St., Windsor Fine dining with menu that reflects seasonality and items produced in NoCo. Crooked Cup www.thecrookedcup.com 970-484-7375 147 W. Oak St. #101, Fort Collins Locally roasted coffee, full bakery and breakfast.

Door 222 www.door222.com, 970-541-3020 222 E. 4th St. #100, Loveland Adventurous tapas, plus wine, beer and cocktails.

FCB Modern Tavern www.fortcollinsbrewery.com, 970472-1499 1020 E. Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins Microbrewery and tavern serving fresh, locally sourced comfort food.

Fish Restaurant www.fishmkt.com, 970-599-3817 150 W. Oak St., Fort Collins Sustainable seafood dishes and local products. On-site fish market.

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Jax Fish House www.jaxfortcollins.com 970-682-2275 123 N. College Ave., Fort Collins Serving up fresh, sustainable seafood alongside local produce.

Linden Street Café www.lindenstreetcafe.com 970-493-9683 255 Linden St., Fort Collins Fair trade organic coffee beans roasted locally, house-made pastries and baked goods, breakfast and lunch menu.

Locality Kitchen & Bar www.localityfoco.com, 970-568-8351 2350 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins A locally owned, farm-to-table restaurant focusing on freshly crafted cuisine.

Mugs Coffee Lounge www.mugscoffeelounge.com 970-472-6847 306 W. Laurel St., Fort Collins 261 S. College Ave., Fort Collins Community through coffee: fair trade, organic, home-grown, local coffee and food in a community atmosphere.

Restaurant 415 www.thefourfifteen.com 970-407-0415 415 S. Mason St., Fort Collins Updated American classics featuring locally sourced ingredients plus vegan and gluten-free menus.

Tasty Harmony www.tastyharmony.com 970-689-3234 160 W. Oak St., Fort Collins Veggie and vegan fare served in bright, cozy surrounds with a laid-back vibe.

The Colorado Room www.thecoloradoroom.com 970-682-1163 642 S. College Ave., Fort Collins Colorado food, beer and spirits, art, artesian goods, music, more.

The Cooking Studio www.facebook.com/ TheCookingStudioFC/, 720-839-2417 123 N. College Ave., Fort Collins Cooking school dedicated to engaging with simple and fresh ingredients.

The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm www.farmhousefc.com, 970-631-8041 1957 Jessup Dr., Fort Collins Casual farmhouse eatery and backyard farm delivering seasonal Colorado fare.

The Kitchen www.thekitchenbistros.com/fortcollins, 970-568-8869 100 N. College Ave., Fort Collins Garden-to-table American meals in an eco-friendly urban space.

The Moothouse www.themoothouse.com 970-226-2121 2626 S. College Ave., Fort Collins Modern English pub, local craft beers.

The Waffle Lab www.wafflelab.com, 970-232-9433 130 W. Olive St., Ste. D, Fort Collins Gourmet Belgian-style Liège waffles with sweet and savory combinations.

Wapiti Colorado Pub www.thewapitipub.com, 970-635-1985 701 N. Clubhouse Dr., Loveland Breathtaking views, home-grown food and craft beers and wine.

Welsh Rabbit Bistro www.thewelshrabbit.com/bistro, 970232-9521 Unit B, 200 Walnut St, Fort Collins Wine and cheese bistro experience with Old World charm.

FOOD TRUCKS Bear’s Backyard Grill www.bearsbackyard.co Dam Good Tacos www.damgoodtacos.com Fresh - www.ftfresh.com Goodness www.thegoodnesstruck.com La Piadina - www.la-piadinafoodtruck.weebly.com Ripe Tomatoes Wood Fired Pizza - www. ripetomatoeswoodfiredpizza.com Silver Seed www.thesilverseed.com Stick It To Ya - www.facebook. com/pg/stickittoyafoodtruck/ Sweaty Moose - www.facebook. com/Sweatymoose2016/ Sustainable Spoon - www. sustainablespoonfoodtruck.com Tramp About - www.facebook. com/thetrampabout/ Umami Mobile Asian Eatery www.umamifoodtruck.com Waffle Lab www.thewafflelab.com

y a r o o H p i H H i p, The Way! Summer ’s On

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SHARE YOUR BOUNTY

Your garden-fresh donations help feed hungry people LEA HANSON WHILE IT ISN’T ALWAYS a visible struggle, hunger is an issue in Colorado and in northern Colorado. According to HungerFreeColorado.org, “one in eight Coloradans experience hunger, not always having enough money for food.”

Even more disheartening is that one in five Colorado kids don’t always know from where their next meal will come.

Further, one in six Colorado households with children report food hardship, an inability to afford adequate food. The numbers are staggering but the good news is we can all play a role in supporting our neighbors and community members to more easily access nutritious food, even in small ways.

Hunger affects everyone; even those who never struggle to access food can see and feel the impact of community needs.

Hunger impacts a person’s health and can be a culprit of obesity, acute and chronic illnesses, and other medical concerns.

From a systematic level to an individual effort, northern Colorado decision makers are making strides to make it easy for neighbors to help one another. The Colorado Charitable Crop Donation Act, which went into effect July 1, 2015, created a tax credit for Colorado food producers that is proportionate to the amount

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of food they donate to local charities.

The bill was supported by Hunger Free Colorado, a statewide organization that works to combat hunger, and Feeding Colorado, an association that includes several northern Colorado Food Banks.

Those who have donated food understand the list of accepted donations doesn’t always include home-grown produce. While northern Colorado has a large number of shelters, missions, and emergency housing support agencies—and most of whom accept food donations—it can be difficult to find a location that will accept food donations of home-grown produce. Below is a list of options that are a sure bet to gladly accept your produce donations.

DONATE PRODUCE IN FORT COLLINS

The Food Bank for Larimer County accepts donated food, including shelfstable items such as canned and dry goods as well as dairy, meat, bakery items and fresh produce. Donated items can be dropped off at the Food Bank, 1301 Blue Spruce, from 8am–4pm, Monday–Friday, http:// foodbanklarimer.org.

The Growing Project receives

donations of produce and in turn donates that food to a variety of local nonprofit organizations. If you have a fruit tree that needs gleaning, this organization will schedule a time to glean your trees and deliver the produce to local nonprofits. Check it out at www.thegrowingproject.org.

The Fort Collins Rescue Mission, 316 Jefferson St., serves over 600,000 meals to hungry patrons each year. Visit their website at www.fortcollinsrescue mission.org.

DONATE PRODUCE IN GREELEY

The Weld Food Bank accepts food donations from a wide variety of sources including farmers, distributors, grocery chains, and individuals. From bountiful home-grown zucchini to a trailer of potatoes, every donation helps. Bring your donation to us at 1108 H Street, Greeley, CO, Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm. For more info, go to https:// weldfoodbank.org.

DONATE PRODUCE IN LOVELAND

The Food Bank of Larimer County has a Loveland Location. See above.

The address is 2600 N Lincoln Ave, Loveland. Find them at http://food banklarimer.org.

LOCALITY KITCHEN AND BAR is a

locally-owned, farm-to-table restaurant focusing on local products and freshly crafted cuisine.

Open at 11am Daily Sunday Brunch 9am-3pm Happy Hour M-F 3-6

Executive Chef Matt Smith Owners Jim & Jennie Edwards of Next Door/Door 222 in Loveland

2350 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO 80528 | 970-568-8351 | Localityfoco.com | Download the NoWait app to skip the line

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