Nourish Our Farmers Coalition
Our coalition supports the mental, physical, and economic well-being of agricultural producers in Delta County by fostering connection, reducing isolation, and building a resilient community. We believe healthy food systems begin with healthy farmers, and we work collaboratively to support agriculture in our region.
The Nourish Our Farmers Coalition compiled the information on this page. The Coalition has developed the following resources: Health & Wellness Resources, Helpful Local Resources, Meal Program, and Business & Economic Support & Education Resources.
Resources for Agricultural Producers
Health & Wellness Resources
Since 1998, Colorado AgrAbility has promoted independence and enhanced the quality of life among producers in rural Colorado. In 2021, the Behavioral Health Recovery Act (Colorado Senate Bill 21-137) expanded AgrAbility offerings to mandate the provision of behavioral health support services, preventative education, stress management resources, and suicide prevention initiatives for farmers, ranchers, agriculture workers, and rural communities. Services for individuals in agriculture experiencing physical limitations due to injury, disability, or age-related issues.
Visit AgrAbility website to access physical and behavioral health resource referrals.
Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program offers 10 free counseling sessions (English & Spanish) with ag-friendly counselors who understand rural life. Their goal is to help farmers, ranchers, and their families stay steady through difficult seasons — without cost, long drives, or fear of stigma. All sessions are virtual, so you can meet from anywhere you have internet. No insurance. No cost. No pressure to continue after your free sessions.
No matter what you’re going through, help is available.
Call or Text 988 anytime to connect with a trained specialist at the Colorado Mental Health Line.
Seed Peace provides grants and supportive services that nurture the mind, body, soul, and spirit of regenerative farmers. Their mission focuses on sustaining those who care for the land and grow nourishing food in Pitkin, Garfield, Eagle and Delta Counties.
~ Mental Health Counseling & Wellness Services: free services from approved vendors
~ Direct Primary Care Membership: $360 annually: unlimited access to primary physician within network
~ Eye Exam & Glasses: free annual exam and lenses every other year
~ Dental Care $160 annually: new patient exam, cleaning, x-rays
~ Sick Care Support: reimbursement up to $230 for sick care visits
~ Emergency Assistance Grants: small cash for emergencies including broken equipment, farm pets, emergency travel
~ Paonia Yoga and Movement Center: discounted classes with voucher
Questions call (540) 616-6780 or email seedpeace.org@gmail.com.
Helpful Local Resources
Health Line
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support at any time. If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health, or substance use concern, call, text, or live chat with 988 today or go to 988colorado.com.
Crisis can take many forms for many different people. Learn how to to start!
AgriStress Helpline
The AgriStress Helpline® is a free and confidential crisis and support line that you can call or text 24/7 – 833.897.2474. Phone calls have interpretation available in 160 languages, and text message services are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The helpline is answered by trained professionals who can offer support and help you find mental health and agriculture-related resources in your area.
Visit the Rural Mental Health site for more info.
Get help: Mental health, drugs, or alcohol
If you or someone you know is living with a mental health or substance use condition, there is help. Visit the OwnPath Care Directory and Colorado LIFTS to connect with a care navigator who can help you find behavioral healthcare services. This state website provides access to a network of mental health, substance use, and crisis support services.
How 988 works
When you live chat, call, or text 988, you’ll be connected with a trained specialist. They’ll ask a few questions to learn more about your concerns. Then they’ll listen to you and provide support. If needed, they’ll share relevant information and resources.
All interactions are private and confidential.
Delta County Health Resources
This Delta Resources page contains a number of health-related PDF documents pertaining to Food Resources, Mental Health Resources, Physical Health Resources and more,
Meal Program
The Nourish Our Farmers Meal Program provides prepared meals to local farmers and their crew members. We understand that it is challenging for busy farmers to make themselves a nourishing meal and we would like to help provide meals for the people working hard to grow food for our community.
Gifted Meals available to Agricultural Producers with the Nourish Our Farmers Meal Cards.
Get Meal Cards at the Farmers Socials or by emailing vogaco@gmail.com.
Vegetarian Meals available on Tuesdays at 5pm at the Arbol Farmers Market at Paonia Town Park.
Meals available at Farm Runners at 235 Hwy 133, Hotchkiss. Open Wed-Sat 8:30am -5:30pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Options include sandwiches, burritos, soup, and take & bake meals.
Vegetarian Meals available at TLC Kitchen when they are open at 138 Grand Ave, Paonia.
Local, organic soup and bread with meat option for pickup at the monthly Farmers Social, must pre-order by emailing vogaco@gmail.com.
Farmers Social
Join us for our Farmers Social gathering every Second Wednesday of the Month from 5pm to 8pm at Big B’s Delicious Orchards ~ 39126 Hwy 133, Hotchkiss. May to November. A monthly gathering for Farmers, Ranchers, Producers, Families and Friends to get together for conversation, food, drinks and community connection!
Business & Economic Support & Education Resources
There are many local and regional organizations that offer funding, business training and skills development, and other economic support.
Government Programs
State Programs
Federal Programs
National Organic Program
Organic Cost Share
Assistance for Producers in Drought-Impacted States
Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP)
Value Added Producer Grants
Crop Insurance
EQIP & Conservation Stewardship Programs – Irrigation/water conservation, high tunnels, organic incentives, energy savings through lighting & energy upgrades
Disaster Assistance
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
Specialty Crops Fund
OREI Funding Grants
FSA – Beginning Farmer Loans
CSU Extension
CSU Extension connects Coloradans to actionable, research-based solutions, programming, services, and expertise across a wide range of topic areas. Extension specialists serve all 64 counties in Colorado. You can call any county office for all questions ranging from gardening and canning to youth education and economic development.
Colorado Land Link
Find land. Find farmers and ranchers. Colorado Land Link is a program of Guidestone Colorado, which is growing a vibrant agricultural future through education, community building, and partnerships.
Delta Conservation District
Delta Conservation District is dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and the agricultural heritage of Delta County. Our mission is to protect and conserve soil, water, and other natural resources, while promoting sustainable agriculture practices. We work closely with farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders to implement conservation strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of Delta County.
Farm Runners
Farm Runners is a regional food distributor specializing in custom-harvested farm products. We serve the North Fork, Roaring Fork, Gunnison, and Grand Valleys of Colorado with local food year-round. We are based in Hotchkiss, CO, where we have been building lasting relationships with farmers since 2012. We help new and established family farms find a market for their product while making it easier for consumers to access the amazing food grown here in Western Colorado.
Mariposa Ascendente
Mariposa Ascendente, located in Colorado’s North Fork Valley, is a community-centered regenerative learning and resource hub dedicated to food security, ecological regeneration, and community and cultural resilience. The center provides hands-on education, technical assistance, peer mentorship, wellness support, and collaborative resource sharing. Mariposa Ascendente is a place where healthy soils, secure food systems, thriving farmers, and resilient communities and cultures grow together.
North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce
The North Fork Valley Chamber is committed to strengthening vibrant, resilient downtowns and supporting the long-term success of local businesses throughout the North Fork Valley in Hotchkiss, Crawford and Paonia! Guidance accessing regional mentoring workshops and educational sessions designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. This includes connections to regional small business resources, including funding opportunities, technical assistance, and professional support networks.
North Fork Valley Creative Coalition
The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition is a local nonprofit organization that fosters a thriving culture of creative and agricultural arts contributing to the heritage and economy of the North Fork Valley. The NFV Creative Coalition is a membership based organization that manages Paonia Creative District, conducts strategic marketing campaigns, and hosts free signature events for the community including Mountain Harvest Festival, Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia Holiday Festival, and monthly Final Friday Artwalks in Paonia.
One Delta County
The purpose of the One Delta County is to promote, strengthen and enhance Delta County’s economic base including the towns and municipalities of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia. Also, to encourage commercial capital investments and to increase the standard of living for all residents through retention, expansion, attraction, and development of new businesses and industry that pays a livable wage.
Paonia Food Movement
The Paonia Food Movement is a community-powered food network connecting local farmers, producers, and neighbors throughout the North Fork Valley and beyond. Our mission is simple: make it easier for people to access fresh, locally grown food while creating reliable markets for the farmers and food makers who grow it.
Region 10 Business Cultivator
Region 10 leverages resources to help build strong communities. We do that by providing senior services, small business services, and regional development support to Delta, Montrose, Hinsdale, Gunnison, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. Since 1972, Region 10 has operated as a 501(C)3 nonprofit that is supported by local and county governments. The organization’s programs are supported by several State and Federal programs and funding sources.
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
As a grassroots organization, Farmers Union provides its members with essential tools to become effective advocates for production agriculture. Based on the three pillars of Education, Cooperation, and Legislation, we work to develop policies and priorities guided by farmers and ranchers who sit at the table with elected and appointed policymakers at the state and national levels. Through our Government Relations team, we advocate for legislation favorable to farmers and ranchers in our three-state region of Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Our Education program grows up-and-coming leaders in agriculture of all ages. The Cooperative Development Center works with groups to create member-owned business ventures that deliver economic and social benefits. Together, these three pillars work to ensure we are creating a society in which family farmers, ranchers, and their communities thrive.
The Learning Council
The Learning Council strives to provide educational opportunities to people of all ages and abilities with a focus on community-building and cultivating classical arts, agriculture and practical arts. TLC is committed to Human Services and aspires to provide nourishment to the community through food, education, music, local arts and agriculture, meaningful work, and stewarding the environment. TLC is offering classes for all ages as a Gift to our community. These dynamic classes enroll students of a wide variety of ages who share a common interest.
Valley Food Partnership
Active in Western Colorado, Valley Food Partnership serves at the intersection of local agriculture, food, the economy, and health. Our mission is to connect local agriculture and local people on the Western Slope through education, access, technical assistance, and community building. We envision a resilient regional food system that sustains the land, producers, and healthy communities.
Valley Organic Growers Association
Valley Organic Growers Association promotes local sustainable agriculture by supporting and educating producers and consumers. Based in the North Fork Valley, we host classes, farm tours, and events to highlight our local producers and educate the community. We offer equipment grants, scholarships, and connect agricultural producers with education and resources including funding, state and federal programs, mental health initiatives, regional business development and more.
UpRoot Colorado
UpRoot Colorado is a nonprofit organization working to increase nutrition security across the state by redirecting high quality agricultural surplus from fields and orchards to pantries, food banks, and other hunger relief programs. Through the act of “gleaning” (harvesting food that would otherwise go unsold or uneaten and redistributing it to people in need), we invite community volunteers to engage in their local food system by attending fun, educational harvest events that highlight the essential work of our farm partners while moving nutritious fruits and vegetables into the hands of those who don’t have equitable access. We work to remove the burden on farmers to donate surplus produce by handling labor, harvest tools and crates, logistics, distribution, and providing tax donation receipts.
Western Colorado Migrant Rural Coalition
Western Colorado Migrant Rural Coalition in partnership with agricultural community leaders achieving an excellent quality of life for rural, migrant, and seasonal farm workers, and their families, through advocacy for equitable access to community based resources.
Drought Resources
Amid record-breaking warmth and a low snowpack, Colorado is facing a significantly dry year. CDA understands the strain this places on producers and is here to connect them with resources to address the impacts of ongoing drought.
Open Source Funding & Resource List
This is an open source list which we hope the community will contribute to as a way to share knowledge and opportunities. New grants and updates to information about existing grants can be added by anyone. When adding any new grant, we ask that you first copy the information to any relevant tabs, and then re-alphebetize by grant name using the drop down sort function. All the grants from the original list within this resource have been linked to a Funding and Resource Guide with additional information – new grants will not be linked to this document.
Lending Resources
Slow Money Western Slope
Aligning with the mission of the Slow Food Western Slope, Slow Money Western Slope (SMWS) supports the local food system by providing community-based no-interest revolving loan funds to North Fork Valley and neighboring Western Slope region farmers and agricultural-based businesses. SMWS is also a catalyst for grassroots fundraising for local food systems and local farming.
2Forks Club
Since 2014, 2Forks Club members have put over $1.29 million directly into local farms and food businesses—with 0% interest loans that keep recycling back into the community. With regenerative philanthropy, your membership grows a
self-replenishing ecosystem: when loans are repaid, the funds are reinvested, supporting even more farmers and projects. Past recipients have expanded greenhouses, built wash-and-pack facilities, bought refrigerated trucks, and even acquired electric motorcycles for rotational grazing.
Steward
Steward is a champion for the unsung stewards—those proving that there’s a more sustainable way to grow, raise, and catch our food by taking responsibility for the health of their soil and local communities. But the going is tough for human-scale producers who struggle to access loans that will propel their businesses forward. Our goal is to bring regenerative agriculture and mission-driven lenders together to share in the good work of rebuilding local and equitable food systems for all.