How We Work

Our Story

Founded in 2022 by a collective of community residents, gardeners, nonprofit representatives, and advocates, FJNWA was born out of a desire to address urgent gaps in access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food in NW Aurora.

The organization emerged as a response to growing development pressure, displacement, and a lack of ownership over the local food system. FJNWA's model is rooted in community voice, grassroots leadership, and equity-driven change.

Strategic Pillars

Increase Local Food Production

  • Support community gardens and backyard growers

  • Implement the Cultivate Aurora Community Greenhouse project

  • Provide multilingual and intergenerational urban agriculture education

Improve Access to Nutritious Food

  • Partner with small markets to increase fresh, culturally relevant foods

  • Advance food affordability through benefits access and advocacy

  • Address transportation barriers

Build the Food Justice Movement

  • Develop community food leaders

  • Host education programs on food policy and justice

  • Lead regional and local advocacy

Taking Time to Listen

Understanding the landscape of food access in Northwest Aurora begins with listening to the community. These statistics come from resident surveys and community meetings held throughout 2023 and 2024, including data collected during the Grocery Access Meeting and FJNWA’s annual Food Justice Festival.

They highlight the most pressing barriers facing local families — from affordability to availability of culturally relevant food — and provide a foundation for the strategies and solutions FJNWA is building with residents, small businesses, and partners.

In 2024, 66% of respondents in NW Aurora reported experiencing or being at risk of food insecurity*

Only 11.2% of Colorado residents experience food insecurity by comparison (Hunger Free Colorado, 2024)

Limited access to culturally relevant foods and transportation to stores were top barriers cited*

NW Aurora is home to 18 community gardens and more than 20 small markets

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