Alix Midgley, the new Rural Food Access Coordinator for the Good Food Collective, is diving into the challenges of food access in Montezuma, Dolores counties, and the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. In an insightful interview, she sheds light on the obstacles our region faces and the efforts underway to ensure all residents have access to nutritious food.
The role was created after recognizing significant capacity gaps in addressing food insecurity in the area, with Midgley focusing on key initiatives like expanding summer meal programs for youth, improving access to resources like SNAP benefits, and supporting local food agencies in securing additional funding. But, as she explains, there's a lot more to this work than meets the eye.
"Transportation is probably the most significant barrier," Midgley shares, noting the challenge of reaching resources in a sprawling region where many residents live in unincorporated areas. She also highlights the rising cost of food, especially eggs, and the ongoing impact of shifting funding priorities post-COVID. For families in Montezuma County, she points out, the disparity between average wages and the living wage is a significant factor contributing to food insecurity.
Collaboration is at the heart of Midgley’s approach. She works with a range of partners across sectors, including long-standing organizations and institutions such as the hospital, public health department, and social services. One exciting initiative involves offering language access training to help non-English-speaking community members navigate food resources.
The Four Corners Food Coalition, a group committed to Indigenous food sovereignty, is another key player in the movement. Midgley is excited about their radical work and the potential for long-term impact. She also applauds local food access providers, including Good Sam's Food Pantry, Grace's Kitchen, Hope's Kitchen, and Four Corners Food Not Bombs, for their daily commitment to serving the community.
“We have people showing up every day to make sure folks are getting what they need to thrive,” Midgley says. “That’s really special. I’m honored to be welcomed into that circle.”
Midgley encourages all community members to get involved in supporting local food systems, whether through volunteering, donating food or supplies, or making monetary contributions.
Find more food access resources on the Good Sam's Food Pantry website.
