LiveWell Summit

Summit County, Colorado is regarded as part of the “high country” because of its tall mountain peaks and high elevation lakes. It is a common destination for outdoor enthusiasts during winter and summer months. Summit County is a rural resort community located 75 miles west of Denver on the I-70 corridor through the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Including the towns of Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, Summit County is known as “Colorado’s Playground” and is the home of four world-class ski resorts (Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin).  With a year-round population of almost 27,000, Summit County attracts millions of visitors and seasonal residents from all parts of the world.

Some of Summit County’s biggest challenges are lack of affordable housing for workers, extremely high cost of living, uninsured residents and lack of affordable nutritious foods.  The need for basic food assistance is growing in Summit County as evidenced by an increase in families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and visitors to our local food banks.  SNAP caseloads have increased from approximately 810 families in 2000 to over 3,600 in 2009. In 2009, the food banks at the Family & Intercultural Center and Dillon Community Church in Summit County reported usage had increased by 400% from the previous year.  50% of the current clients at the food banks are first time users.  

The downturn in the economy has certainly been at center stage in the increased need for assistance. There are fewer jobs in the County and, in many existing workplaces; job hours have been significantly reduced.  Locals, who were making a sustainable wage, are now in need of assistance to help make ends meet.

Through sustainable efforts, LiveWell Summit County is committed to helping low and middle income families by implementing a variety of healthy eating active living goals and strategies in 2010.  Please see “Strategies” section.

Live Well Summit County is operated by the Summit Prevention Alliance.

Contact Information
Summit Prevention Alliance
Joanna Rybak
970.453.9333
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