We’ve been hard at work to bring so many exciting things to fruition, which we couldn’t be more thrilled about. The changing of the year has brought a new staff member, new Snail of Approval awardees, the launching of a brand new program, and more.

In the first few weeks of 2024 we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming two new awardees to the Snail of Approval family, Fleischer Family Farm and Little House of Tempeh. Many of you are likely familiar with Fleischer Family Farm as we regularly bring volunteers to their neighborhood farm in the warmer months. However, you may not know about the incredible work they do for the community. So, we’d like to offer some insight to their behind the scenes work, as well as introduce you to Little House of Tempeh. 

We’ve had an amazing relationship with Paul Fleischer and his farm crew thus far, and experienced first hand what an amazing partner they are. We’ve also had the opportunity to witness the work they do to support other businesses in the community. The farm crew runs a CSA and farm stand, through which they not only offer their beautiful produce but also products made and grown by others in the Denver area. Furthermore, the team teaches farming, homesteading, and preserving skills, to mention a few. Paul is not only bringing sustenance to the community, but also skills and knowledge to create a more sustainable, self-sustaining future. And, this simply scratches the surface of the efforts made at this incredible growing space.

Little House of Tempeh is an institution at most local farmers markets as they bring their family-owned stand full of delicious tempehs to all our favorite markets. I’ve been lucky enough to develop a friendship with owner Eric, who has offered me nothing but unending kindness. Eric’s kindness extends to every corner of his business. He donates tempeh to local unhoused populations, bikes to work to lessen his environmental impact, uses biodegradable bags to ferment, and simply approaches every piece of his business with intentionality. We’re so excited to eat our weight in their yummy products, and can’t wait to have you join us. Find LHofT products at Locavore, numerous Natural Grocers locations, City Park farmers market, and more!

Another exciting piece of action for January is the release of tickets for our very first FED Workshop. Our conscious consumer course on chocolate will offer the opportunity to gather in an intimate space and learn about everyone’s favorite treat. A primary objective of our Food Ethos Denver Workshops is to create educated consumers of products. With our first installment of this program, we welcome guests to a discussion on transparent trade, cacao growing practices, and chocolate production. Furthermore, our chocolate expert will guide attendees through the process of turning raw cacao into chocolate, with tastings throughout the demonstration. Our team is thrilled to join you in tasting and learning our way to becoming educated consumers of this sweet and bitter treat. And, we cannot wait to release the tickets to more FED workshops soon! 

If you read our newsletter, then you already know that we have welcomed long time Lil’ Sprouts instructor Nikki Knaddison to our team as our Bilingual Youth Education Coordinator. Additionally, our previous Coordinator, Gabriella Wan, has been promoted to Youth Education Manager. Both are well deserved positions. We’re incredibly proud not only of these two staff members, but also of the growth our team continues to see. 

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