Caren von Gontard has transformed her beautiful farm into a space where the Paonia community can safely gather, sell their products and enjoy fresh and local goods together. Arbol Farm Market first opened up in May of this year in response to COVID-19 and plans to continue through October on every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

With the help from a generous grant from the state and support from local organizations, the market has been a huge success.

“I work in collaboration with The Learning Council and The Viva La Vida and VOGA (Valley Organic Growers Association),” says von Gontard, “and we really did recognize that the farmers were struggling because they lost so many of their markets.”

Executive director of The Learning Council and good friend of von Gontard, Alicia Michelsen says, “We are having a great time bringing farmers and producers together for one-stop shopping at the Arbol Farm Market and it is so nice to have an open-air option for shopping and community meals.”

In the eyes of von Gontard, she saw this opportunity as a “need-based response”, more than anything. COVID-19 has largely hurt the restaurant industry this year and in addition to their suffering, farmers and vendors are as well as they have limited customers to sell to now.

“We are the second poorest county in the state and there are so many people without access to quality food,” von Gontard explains. “For the farmers to making a living most of them end up sending their produce over to the farm markets in Carbondale, or Telluride, or Aspen, or wherever. So, the food does not end up getting consumed here.”

On average, von Gontard says there are about 15 vendors at the market every week.

“I get more and more people contacting me every week and saying, ‘oh,can I join the market.’

“And we are pretty much allowing anybody to join who wants to and not charging them,” adds von Gontard.

In addition to the market, von Gontard installed a garlic clove-shaped pizza oven to serve meals out of during the market hours on Tuesdays.

The pizzas are made from all local and fresh ingredients from the dough, the sauce and all of the toppings. von Gontard says she is usually responsible for making the sauce, while members from The Learning Council take care of the cooking and serving at night.

“Much of the produce is harvested within 24 hours of being cooked and served, so the meals are really special and nourishing. This part of the project is another way The Learning Council can support farmers and provide access to our amazing local foods. Our meals are offered by donation so that all may be fed. Feeding folks including those in need, elders, and farmers is a great joy,” says Michelsen. She adds, “Our meals are offered by donation so that all may be fed. Feeding folks including those in need, elders, and farmers is a great joy.”

Arbol Farm Market was the first farmers market to open in the state of Colorado after the brief hiatus COVID-19 brought. Their need-based response has helped support farmers and brough the community together in a time where we seem to be so far apart.

“I would like to add a special thank you to all of our supporters who help to make the Arbol Farm Market a success including the producers, Caren and Adi von Gontard, Next50 initiative, Colorado State, Colorado Blueprint to end Hunger, and Trailhead Institute,” Michelsen concludes.

Learn more at vogaco.org/arbol-farm-market/.

One-Stop Shopping At Arbol Farm Market In Paonia