Aaron Ney’s answer to how he’d like to change the world sounds like a pageant queen’s response: end hunger and develop food sustainability. The thing is, this 38-year-old Iowa native is actually doing it on a farm plot in Lowry. Seventy-five percent of the harvest at Ekar Farm, Ney’s one-and-a-half-acre haven planted with close to 100 vegetable varieties, is given to families in need. In its sixth growing season, Ekar is on pace to exceed the 18,000 pounds of organic food it grew in 2014.

On August 30, Ekar hosts the Tour de Farm bike ride and fund-raiser. The 16-mile out-and-back cruise along the High Line Canal stops at Sprout City Farm at Denver Green School and DeLaney Community Farm for tours. Once you’re done pedaling, you’ll kick back at Ekar for bluegrass tunes and a feast of freshly harvested, grilled corn and food-truck fare. All the proceeds ($25 for adults, $5 for kids under 13) benefit Ekar Farm. Bikes and fresh bites? We could get used to this saving-the-world business.

5280 August 2015
More From The Issue