A Season of Impact: Colorado Farm to Table Delivers Nearly 100,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce to Coloradans in Need

CFTT ended its 2025 season with a bountiful harvest, donating nearly 100,000 pounds of vegetables to food banks in Chaffee County and throughout Colorado. CFTT’s produce provided relief from the loss of approximately  $13 million in federal funding this year for Colorado local food programs, affecting about one in eight Coloradans who face food insecurity.

Thomas J. McDaniel (TJ), farm manager and director, said it wouldn’t have been possible without support from the community. “What makes me most proud of the farm are the amount and quality of the vegetables that come off it. Thanks to our volunteers, we do a lot with a little,” TJ shared. “Our volunteers should hear how grateful the food banks are. They really don’t get fresh vegetables; they have low food budgets and aren’t able to purchase produce like our high-quality broccoli, cabbage and squash. It goes fast and is so appreciated.”

CFTT was founded in 1996 by Tony Madone, Jr. Its mission is to sustainably grow nutritious vegetables for donation to those in need of healthy food throughout Colorado. The yield this year included 39,756 pounds of cabbage, 38,800 pounds of broccoli, 15,173 pounds of winter squash, and 5,270 pounds of summer squash, totaling 98,999 pounds. CFTT works closely with 24 distribution partners in nine counties throughout Colorado including Chaffee, Custer, Denver, Fremont, Lake, Montrose, Park, San Luis Valley, and Summit counties.

"The produce donated by Colorado Farm to Table has significantly improved the health and well-being of the older adults. Access to fresh, nutritious vegetables has helped reduce health risks associated with poor diets while also promoting a sense of dignity and community among our participants.” - Aubrey Tamietti, AVHH Coordinator.

One of those distribution partners is Ark Valley Helping Hands (AVHH), a program of Chaffee County Public Health. “The produce donated by Colorado Farm to Table has significantly improved the health and well-being of the older adults. Many of these individuals we serve are on a limited income and often have a hard time getting to a grocery store so are experiencing food insecurity. Access to fresh, nutritious vegetables has helped reduce health risks associated with poor diets while also promoting a sense of dignity and community among our participants. The folks who have received these produce donations have been so grateful and love the visit from the volunteer dropping off the produce,” said Aubrey Tamietti, AVHH Coordinator.

CFTT farm manager and director, TJ McDaniel shows volunteers how to harvest broccoli.

“Farming for Colorado Farm to Table is a way to connect with the land, support the community, and envision new possibilities for what our nonprofit can become," said McDaniel.

Visit CFTT’s website at www.coloradofarmtotable.org to make a donation, sign up to volunteer, or become a Harvest Circle member or partner.