FOOD EQUITY AND GENTRIFICATION IN DENVER

How we eat, what we eat, and where our food comes from are complex and inextricably linked questions in the U.S. We explore Denver’s new urbanism against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and how access to food is linked to socioeconomic status, geography, race and health.

Learning Objectives

Gain a deeper appreciation of farming by working along GrowHaus to maintain crops, supporting distribution to local grocery stores, and participating in community space operations.

Build an understanding of the complexity of food systems and the challenges to food equity in Colorado through the juxtaposition of rural and urban food systems.

Better understand the challenges of land and water rights and the effects of population surge on wildlife and conservation.

Lenses of Inquiry

Rural vs. Urban Food Systems

What are the challenges to food equity in these different food systems?

Food Agency and Access

How is access to food linked to socioeconomic status, geography, race and health?

Conservation

How do land and water rights protect wildlife affected by population growth?

Places and Activities

This program is flexible, and can be offered in 5 or 7 day itineraries.

DAYS 1-2: FOOD JUSTICE AND COMMUNITIES

We arrive in Denver and spend the first couple of days in an aquaponics and farming immersion at the GrowHaus, a nonprofit working to combat food injustice and food insecurity in Denver.

DAYS 2-3: NEW URBANISM AND CULTURAL SPACES

We tour Denver’s incredible graffiti and public art that depicts the growth of Denver’s recent growth and the cultural identity of the region. We juxtapose that experience with a trip to the Denver Art Museum.

DAYS 3-5: NATIONAL PARKS AND CONSERVATION

We head into Rocky Mountain National Park for two days of outdoor education and wilderness immersion, helping National Park rangers with their ongoing projects.

DAY 6-7: FOOD AND HEALTH

We spend time with local enterprises who support Colorado’s food system and communities. We visit the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless to learn about ongoing work to better the lives of Denver’s homeless.

Let’s work together

“Every single person working for Envoys is excellent and committed to the kids and their experience, not just during the trip, but before and after. We would recommend Envoys to anyone looking for a high quality and enriching summer experience.”

— Amy G. , Parent, Envoys Malawi 2014 & 2015

“[Envoys] knows kids extremely well…they know how to be cool with them while still commanding authority and establishing ground rules…I was incredibly impressed with the protocols established and put in place by Envoys.”

— Micah M. , Traveling Faculty, Friends Seminary Peru 2015

“Many student groups participate in ‘Voluntourism’. This trip did not attempt that, but rather funneled the collective energy of each member into meaningful, mutually beneficial cultural interactions. Thank you so much for this unforgettable and transformational experience.”

— Altana , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016