Healthy Archuleta is excited to share several opportunities this summer and fall that support children, youth, parents, and families in Archuleta County. Healthy Archuleta works to strengthen nutrition security, health equity, and community cohesion. Currently, Healthy Archuleta is supporting the Youth Internship and Youth Community Learning & Leadership Circle. Additionally, upcoming opportunities include the Kids in the Mountain Garden Education Program and a Child-Parent Relationship Therapy program for caregivers.
Healthy Archuleta’s summer youth interns are gaining experience in community health, food systems, mental and behavioral health, prevention, leadership, and community engagement. Through partner visits, learning activities, community events, and teamwork, they are exploring what helps make a community healthy.
The interns are developing a Community Leadership Capstone that will share their observations, ideas, and recommendations for Archuleta County. They will present it to the Board of County Commissioners in August and later share it with peers, families, Healthy Archuleta staff, and community members.
Interns are also helping support the Youth Community Learning & Leadership Circle, or Youth CLLC. This youth-led group gives young people a place to connect, plan activities, share ideas, build skills, and work together on issues that matter to them. Youth interested in getting involved can visit foodcoalition4archuleta.org/youth-engagement.html and follow Healthy Archuleta on TikTok.
The Kids in the Mountain Garden Education Program, or KIMGE, is a hands-on experience connected to Vista Lake Community Garden. It gives children and families a chance to learn where food comes from, how gardens grow, and how gardening can build confidence, healthy habits, practical skills, and connection with neighbors.
Community gardens provide more than fresh food; they are places to learn, spend time outdoors, and build relationships. KIMGE sessions will take place on Wednesdays in August from 5:15 – 7:15pm. Families are encouraged to learn more and register as soon as possible at foodcoalition4archuleta.org/kids-in-the-mountain-garden.html. At least five participants must be confirmed for the program to move forward as planned.
This fall, Healthy Archuleta plans to offer Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, or CPRT, for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 10. CPRT is a supportive small-group program that helps caregivers strengthen connection, trust, communication, and confidence with their child. It offers practical tools and encouragement.
The planned program includes 10 weekly, 90-minute sessions on Thursdays, September 10 through November 12, from 5:30 to 7pm at Pagosa Springs Middle School. Dinner and child care will be provided. English-language sessions will be facilitated in person, while Spanish-language sessions are planned to be offered live by videoconference with a licensed mental health provider as families gather at the school.
Families interested and available for the full series are encouraged to complete the interest form at foodcoalition4archuleta.org/cprt.html. The form does not commit families to participate, but it helps Healthy Archuleta confirm enough interest before finalizing the fall sessions. Each English- or Spanish-language group will need at least five confirmed participants for the program to move forward during the planned September–November session.
For CPRT information, contact Healthy Archuleta at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com or 401-206-4579.
Healthy Archuleta also invites residents to register for the 2026 Archuleta Health Fair and Expo on Saturday, October 24. The event will connect community members with health resources, screenings, information, and local support. Learn more and register at foodcoalition4archuleta.org/archuleta-health-fair-and-expo.html.
Local Food Access: Fresh Produce Is Here
Fresh produce is arriving throughout Archuleta County, with locally and Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables available all summer and into early fall. When shopping at local grocery stores, look for the Colorado Proud label to support Colorado growers.
The Pagosa Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9am to 1pm through mid-September at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. Local growers offer vegetables, herbs, greens, squash, root crops, and more. Visit the Small Growers Co-op booth to support local backyard gardeners.
The Peach Stand, located behind the gas station at North Pagosa Boulevard and Navajo Trail Drive, is also open for the season. The Western Slope growers offer Palisade peaches along with melons, cherries, apricots, plums, nectarines, corn, peppers, onions, squash, and, later in the season, pumpkins and roasted chile peppers. The stand is open Sunday through Friday and closed Saturdays.
On Tuesday evenings, local vendors gather at Higher Grounds Coffee Shop, at Village Drive and Davis Cup Drive, from 4 to 8pm. Shoppers can find locally produced meats, mushrooms, vegetables, and other goods.
Fresh food may also be available through local food pantries. Gardeners and growers donate produce to the charitable food system, helping make healthy food more accessible to neighbors experiencing high food costs. Vista Lake Community Garden has already donated lettuce and beets this season, with beans, tomatoes, peppers, squash, potatoes, onions, peas, and herbs expected as the season continues.
For those interested in growing their own food, community garden beds are available at Vista Lake Community Gardens on Port Avenue and the Pagosa Springs Community Garden along the San Juan Riverwalk, west of the grow domes. These gardens offer opportunities to learn, connect with other gardeners, and enjoy community events throughout the summer.
To learn more about community gardens, local food access, and Healthy Archuleta’s work, visit www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org or email fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.