Mountain Roots Food Project is dedicated to cultivating a resilient regional food system by strengthening the connections between the earth, food, and community. Since its founding under the fiscal sponsorship of a local community foundation, Mountain Roots has grown from an urban garden producing over 600 pounds of fresh food for local schools, pantries, and volunteer exchanges to a multi-faceted organization offering Farm to School programs, youth gardens, summer camps, and a network of community gardens. Our work centers on creating accessible, nutritious, and sustainably produced food while fostering knowledge and skills in food culture, security, production, and economy.

Over the years, Mountain Roots has expanded its impact through innovative initiatives such as a multi-farmer CSA, value-added product development, and a Community Farm at Coldharbour Ranch. Partnerships and creative infrastructure projects, including a converted train car walk-in refrigerator and an aggregation and distribution center in Gunnison, have strengthened our ability to serve the community. Guided by a framework of five strategic focus areas-Food Culture & Education, Food Security, Food Production, Food Economy, and Food Policy-Mountain Roots continues to advance a thriving, connected, and sustainable food system for the Gunnison Valley.