Connecting With Your Local Food Source!

Whether you are already a healthy eater who is striving to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable in their eating habits, or you are learning to eat more wholesome, local foods, it is great to know where your food comes from and to have a personal connection with the farming communities who serve us. Kid’s and adults alike can enjoy learning more about how their food grows and where it comes from.

Where do I start connecting with local foods?  Get in touch with your local community farmers market.  Most cities, big and small have weekly farmers markets. Depending on where you live, there may be seasonal or sometimes year round farmers markets to feast on and learn about local delights. At most farmer’s market you can buy produce directly from the farmers who grow them as well as purchase and peruse other artisanal goods. Often you can talk to the farmers themselves or the volunteers working the booth and learn more about the farm and even get involved directly with the farm.

Many vegetable farms allow you to volunteer for a day, usually the day they harvest and put together their CSA boxes, and get some veggies in return!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Some farms have CSA programs where you can have a weekly box of fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to your door or pick-up your box of goodies at  designated locations. A lot of farms have add-ons for your box of food such as fresh milk, eggs, meats, flowers and baked goods. Most CSA farms like you to pay ahead of time to help them buy the supplies they will need for their crops but some have payment systems in place to pay individually for each box.  

If you are a meat eater, getting involved in animal shares can be great too. Buying half a lamb or cow (through a local organization with pasture raised meat) with a couple friends and freezing it to eat throughout the year can save on money in the long term and ensure that you are getting high quality, grass-fed meat.

Community Gardens/Community Farms: You may have driven through neighborhoods or schools where little community gardens can been seen. If you like to garden but don’t have yard space, community gardens are a way to share land and resources and bring to life your own vegetable garden within the city! If you are interested, check them out and see how you can get involved, add to the gardens, and reap the benefits of getting your hands in the soil and soon harvesting and eating your very own freshly grown food.

Some community gardens/farms hold workshops where you can learn more about gardening, farming, composting, cooking and so much more. I live and practice acupuncture in Lakewood, Colorado and one example of a local community farm here is Sprout City Farms. Sprout City Farms (sproutcityfarms.org) is  a nonprofit organization that helps create healthier, more resilient communities and enables them to bring affordable, healthy food to schools, neighborhoods, and beyond, donate food to community organizations and families in need, educate youth and adults about farming and build community. Last year they offered workshops on water conservation/drip irrigation, composting/vermicomposting, pickling/fermenting, canning, preserving, seed saving, soil building/composting.  

How else can I get involved in a sustainable healthy future? Grow your own garden! What are your absolute favorite fruits and vegetables? Ask your local farmers if they grow well where you live and if they have a recommendation on where to buy your seeds. Local nurseries and gardening stores are really knowledgeable and helpful too. They can help you sort through logistics like when and where to plant certain foods and when to harvest all the amazing food you have created in your own home.  If you don’t have a backyard or gardening space, hanging wall planters or tiny planters full of herbs can be a great start to adding some home grown deliciousness to your meals. Or, as mentioned earlier, volunteer or get involved in your community gardens or farms!


 

Crystal Jancovic, Lac. | Lakewood Community AcupunctureAbout the author: Crystal Jancovic, L.Ac is co-founder of Lakewood Community Acupuncture in Lakewood, Colorado, which is the first non-profit community acupuncture clinic in the state. She believes fully in offering affordable healthcare to her community and becoming an active community member through supporting local businesses, growing her own food with her family, attending community events and keeping her patients healthy and happy.

 


References:

Information on local Denver farm projects: http://sproutcityfarms.org/

Information on gardening helping with depression: http://permaculture.com.au/why-gardening-makes-you-happy-and-cures-depression/

Information on Goji berries: Acupuncture Desk Reference Book by David Kuoch

Ben Ramirez
Ben Ramirez
2022-08-09
Great service and results!
Sarah
Sarah
2022-07-16
Emily helped me combat some pretty deep depression and anxiety yesterday. I had come to my wits end and western med was no longer helping me. She recommended herbs that are significantly decreasing the debilitating mental health symptoms I was experiencing and her treatment of acupuncture/reiki helped calm my nervous system. I’m noticing this all in less than 24 hrs, wow! THANK YOU 🙏
Lindsay Hovland
Lindsay Hovland
2022-07-15
I received a healing treatment from Crystal yesterday and the day before— acupuncture and cupping, along with ear seeds. She was so attentive and deeply caring for my personal needs and desires. I genuinely cannot wait to go back. Truly, it is honorable they are a non-profit organization for all the hard work and hours they put in. I will always go back. Thanks to the hardworking (shen) hands of Crystal.
Melissa Bell
Melissa Bell
2022-07-01
Would recommend! Very professional, clean, empathetic, experienced. Seen Jamie a few times and he's wonderful. Acupuncture can help with almost anything along with their other services.
Tammy Osolinski
Tammy Osolinski
2022-03-15
Brought in my 15 year old who was suffering from a sports related back injury. She has had two appointments (acupuncture and acupuncture with cupping) and has been experiencing good results. The healthcare team is extremely knowledgeable and comforting. They explain everything they are doing and ensure you are comfortable with every step. Would definitely recommend.
Jay Clement
Jay Clement
2022-01-09
I've been to other acupuncturists before, and Emily @ Lakewood did a fantastic job - way better than the others I've been to. Very thorough on intake, learning what to focus, and overall creating a great space. Thanks so much!
Shawna Seldon McGregor
Shawna Seldon McGregor
2021-11-13
Lakewood Community Acupuncture is amazing! I've received acupuncture, cupping and bodywork here. It was an outstanding experience. I felt amazing when I left and it addressed my chronic pain. I highly recommend LCP!
Coleen C
Coleen C
2021-09-24
Amazing practitioners who are dedicated to serving the community with powerful healing! Each session is greeted with compassion and incredible care. I came to the office experiencing a lot of pain in my back and neck. The day after receiving Tuina bodywork and Acupuncture, my pain was gone. I am so very grateful. Thank you!!
bic109
bic109
2021-08-17
I've been here a couple times and both were great.

Contact

7114 W Jefferson Ave, suite 112
Lakewood, CO 80235
(720) 242-9756
info@lakewoodacupuncture.org

Hours

Monday: 9am-6pm
Tuesday: 9am-7pm
Wednesday: 9am-7pm
Thursday: 9am-3pm
Friday: 8-7pm
Saturday: 9am-3pm
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