On Friday, July 31st, Colorado State Senator Bennet made a visit to Pueblo to take a tour of the Pueblo Food Project’s edible landscapes. The tour started at the doors of the City Hall where greetings took place. The group walked to the first edible landscape location, Sister Cities, near the El Pueblo Museum.
Master Gardener, Deric Stowel, and member of the Pueblo Food Council, spoke about the plants in the gardens and his passion for gardening. Both County Commissioner, Chris Wisemen and Mayor, Nick Gradisar spoke about the Pueblo Food Project and the work they’ve supported. Upon departure the Pueblo Food Project Coordinator, Monique Marez, began to speak with Senator Bennet about the things the Food Project has accomplished and is looking forward to completing in the near future, including COVID-19 relief accomplishments and the future development of our food economy.
The next stop was Central Plaza edible landscape, which is right down the road from Bistoro Restaurant. Here, Mo Montgomery, Pueblo Food Project Food Economy working group chair and Director of Hospitality and Culinary Services at Pueblo Community College, took a turn to speak. Mo spoke about her students and programs, hoping that working with the Pueblo Food Project will help students stay and open businesses in town.
The group then headed over to Solar Roast Coffee, where owner Mike Hartkop, spoke about his business with the Senator and the group. Solar Roast provided the group with iced coffee and lemonade. Senator Bennet offered his commendations and help to the keep the food project moving forward, and support a thriving food system for Pueblo.