Date: January 2026
Imagine having the option to bring your local farmers’ market right to your neighborhood.
Thanks to a partnership between Northern Colorado Foodshed Project and the Food Bank, this possibility became a reality with the launch of the Familiar Foods van in the fall of 2025.
This mobile grocery program offers a variety of affordable and locally sourced meat, dairy and produce directly to people in Larimer County.
With plans to resume its operations in the spring of 2026, Familiar Foods, has connected with over 12 local farms, ranches and value-added businesses to provide a market for their goods to reach the broader Larimer County community.
People have the option to send a request for the van to visit a specific location. Through this feature, Familiar Foods hopes to reach people who might have barriers, like mobility or transportation, in getting to a grocery store.
“We operate a pay it forward program as well that helps us lower cost for lower access communities while still making sure our farmers get paid for their products,” said Northern Colorado Foodshed Project Executive Director Carli Prairie.
“Familiar foods is all about partnership with amazing community partners like the Food Bank and the broader community to support local farm businesses, provide for the community, reduce food waste and increase food access, on the move!”
The food will be available for purchase with cash or card — and, SNAP, and Double Up Food Bucks will also be accepted.
Anything not sold, the Food Bank will buy from local producers. Clients who use the Food Bank’s No Cost Markets will then have the option of choosing those local food options. As a contractor and partner, the Food Bank also provides storage for the locally sourced food.
The Familiar Foods project builds on the work of both partners to support local farmers and the community in having access to local food.
“This will help farmers (who are often living at or below the poverty line themselves) to access new novel market channels, while still having stability and assured sales, allowing them to grow,” said Food Bank Operations Director Josh Greene. “It will help increase the connectedness of our local food system, breaking down barriers to local food for low-income families and individuals and building relationships and community in the process.”
For their part, Carli described Familiar Foods as taking on food system barriers from a few approaches.
“At the end of the day, we just want more people to feel connected to their local food system, the food they eat, and the folks who grow it, while also reducing food waste and expanding access to fresh, local food,” Carli said. “We’re gearing up for another season and feeling so grateful to the Food Bank for Larimer County, and to our farmer and rancher partners, for making it possible.”
“In 2025, we sold over $17,000 worth of local goods, dollars that went straight back into our local economy by supporting local farms, ranches, and small businesses, and helping support community around local food. We can’t wait to see how that grows in 2026.”
Familiar Foods is anticipated to be back on the road in April. To stay tuned for a full schedule or request the van to visit a specific location, visit www.familiarfoods.org/findthetruck.
