Local Food Resources in the Yampa Valley
Our Commitment to Local Food
Yampa Valley Foods
A Hub for Local Produce, Direct From Farm to Table
Launched in 2014, Yampa Valley Foods is a retail store offering a rich variety of local products, including meat, eggs, seasonal produce, cheese, honey, and a diverse array of value-added products from over 80 local producers. Our commitment goes beyond retail; we actively build systems and processes for a resilient local food system, collaborating with partners to enhance production, processing, storage, distribution, and sales.
Infrastructure for Growth
Supporting Local Meat Production
In 2021, as part of the Leadership Steamboat community impact project, we developed essential infrastructure to support our local food system. This included cooperative freezer storage and a mobile freezer trailer, critical for professional, secure meat storage and transport. These resources are vital for local producers, facilitating efficient and professional delivery of products.
Contact our store manager to learn more about freezer space and trailer use.
Testimonials
“Today I delivered over 2,000 lbs of beef using the refrigerated trailer purchased by the Ag Alliance… Not only did it make it easier and safer, but it also looked very professional.”
Yancey Rushton
Steamboat Cattle Co. at D2 Ranch
“We literally couldn’t have gotten our meat back from the processor without the freezer trailer!”
Lanya Jansen
The Home Ranch
Understanding the Source
At CAA, we’re dedicated to connecting our community with the origins of their food, celebrating the story behind each item. Since our pivotal role in founding the NW Colorado Food Coalition in 2012, we’ve embraced Local Food as a crucial program area, responding to community needs identified through extensive assessments.
Fresh, local food for those who need it most
The Local Food, Local People program connects community resources to community needs by providing fresh, locally produced food to Routt County residents facing food insecurity. This program ensures that every dollar donated has double the impact – supporting local agriculture while feeding neighbors in need.
Through this collaborative effort, CAA and LiftUp bring together donors, agricultural producers, and community members to make local food more accessible for:
- Neighbors in Need – Donations help provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown food for Routt County residents who may otherwise go without.
- Local Producers – Program funds are used to purchase directly from Yampa Valley farmers, ranchers, and food businesses – keeping dollars in our community and strengthening our local food system.
- Donors & Supporters – Every contribution is carefully managed to ensure transparency, accountability, and the greatest community impact.
Funds raised through Local Food, Local People are used to purchase local food from producers through CAA and Yampa Valley Foods. This includes local protein, fresh produce, breads, and other goods needed to stock the shelves at LiftUp.
The Colorado Grain Chain Connects the Yampa Valley
Reconnecting land, people, and purpose through local grain
A short film exploring how farmers, millers, and bakers in the Yampa Valley are rebuilding a local grain system – one that supports living, functional soil and a more resilient agricultural future.
Strengthening Community Ties
Linking Producers to Consumers
We facilitate connections that bring local food directly from farms to your table. In partnership with local organizations like Lift Up, Routt County Council on Aging, and the Routt County WIC Program, we coordinate direct payments to local producers. These efforts ensure that fresh, healthy food reaches those in need, enriching our community’s health and vitality.
Highlighting Local at Major Events
Promoting Local Ingredients
Our initiative extends to local restaurants, businesses, and caterers, encouraging them to source locally. Notable events such as the NW CO Rural Philanthropy Days, Steamboat Food & Wine Festival, and Chamber Women’s Summit in 2022 have featured locally-sourced food, showcasing the quality and diversity of produce available in our region.
Research and Development
Northwest Colorado Feasibility Study
In summer 2023, we led a feasibility study funded by a Just Transition Fund grant to explore value-added agriculture and meat production in the Yampa Valley. This study, a collaboration with Northwest Colorado Development Council, Colorado State University, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, provides insights into the opportunities and challenges of local meat production, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local ranchers.
Feasibility Study
