Healthy Archuleta (HA) advances community well-being through a range of initiatives that strengthen health, connection, and resilience across Archuleta County. Among these efforts, HA supports food security initiatives designed to improve immediate access to nutritious food while building long-term community resilience. The organization works with the Archuleta Food Pantry Network to increase access to nutritious foods and strengthen relationships across the charitable food system. HA also supports local food production and education through community gardens, educational classes, and partnerships in the local food economy.
In an effort to increase food access, HA is currently leading the development of the Archuleta Community Food Hub & Food Hall, an initiative focused on increasing food access, supporting local producers, creating workforce pathways, enhancing youth and community engagement, and strengthening food resilience. Through these programs, HA has strengthened collaboration across the food system, health care, youth-serving organizations, and community development in Archuleta County. To accomplish this, HA works alongside community partners to create more connected and coordinated approaches to community engagement and well-being.
Beyond food access, HA created opportunities for Archuleta County youth to become active leaders and contributors within their community through youth prevention programming. Youth participants have helped shape prevention messaging, support peer education, and engage in projects focused on promoting healthier community norms. Early outcomes from these youth programs suggest increased confidence, communication skills, leadership development, and a greater sense of belonging among participating youth. HA further encourages participation in its youth programs with an internship and various leadership opportunities to more deeply engage young people in its mission. These opportunities connect youth to food systems, health equity, behavioral health awareness, and community engagement through hands-on learning and real-world projects.
From food access to youth programming, HA’s impact is tangible. The organization served approximately 2,000 individuals in the most recent fiscal year through food access coordination, health and wellness initiatives, youth engagement, community education, and systems-building efforts across Archuleta County.
Through internships, prevention programming, leadership opportunities, and food systems education, youth gain valuable experiences that build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and connect their lived experiences to broader community issues. Beyond their current impact, HA’s goal is to create ongoing structures in which residents can actively participate in decision-making, relationship-building, and shared community leadership over time.
The Southwest Council is proud to support an organization that supports food access and education. To learn more about Healthy Archuleta, click here.
