Community Food Security Center
VISION:
Improve community food security for the people of Pima County by promoting, demonstrating, advocating for, and collaboratively building an equitable and regional food system, which supports food production and strengthens communities.
DEFINITION:
Community Food Security is when all people, at all times have fair access to sufficient and healthy food for a successful life.
WHAT WE DO:
The Food Security Center supports community organizations, schools and individuals in becoming more food secure through:
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
Family Advocacy and Legal Aid: Education and advocacy with families, agencies, faith institutions, and community groups on federal and state food programs and other community services to increase peoples well-being.
Faith Community Education and Advocacy: Education and partnership building and maintenance for giving, volunteering, food security projects, economic and food justice, and lifestyle integrity.
Research: Research which informs food policy development and food security programming.
FOOD PRODUCTION AND DESERT GARDENING EDUCATION
Market and Demonstration Garden: A 7,000 square foot garden on the northwest corner of the Food Bank grounds. The garden is managed organically with two 10′ X 10′ compost bins, a 15′ X 15′ greenhouse, and a spacious hen house. The garden demonstrates and promotes desert food production methods and provides a peaceful place for all.
Home Gardening: Assistance is provided to people to grow some of their own food and meet peoples’ existing motivation with the knowledge and materials to be a successful gardener in the Sonora Desert . Compost, seeds, and starter plants are provided as available.
Marana Farm: A ten acre urban production and education farm which is a part of Marana’s Heritage Park. The farm uses drip irrigation and organic methods to grow vegetables, annual fruits, herbs and flowers. The Farm will open Spring 2007 and welcomes the community for volunteer and educational opportunities.
Gleaning: Year round harvesting, primarily during citrus season (January thru April), of fruits and vegetables from area homes, schools, farms, and the University of Arizona for distribution to Food Bank customers.
MARKETS: HEALTY FOOD ACCESS
Good Groceries Mobile Market: A mobile Value Foods Store (a public low cost, high quality grocery in the Food Bank) that travels to the rural communities which have limited access to low cost meals, dairy, dry goods, and fresh produce.
Farmers’ Markets: Community Food Bank Farmer’s Market provides naturally grown, local produce Tuesday mornings for Food bank customers and clients.
Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market provides naturally grown, local produce Thursday evenings for west side Tucson residents. The Markets accept food stamps, AZFMNP vouchers, and cash. See what’s happening each week at the Santa Cruz River Farmers Market subscribe to the market friends e-list to get the latest on available crops and events and happenings at the market!
Community Foods Consignment: An opportunity for home gardeners and very small farmers to sell their produce and other locally produced food products (honey, eggs, dairy, baked goods, etc.) on consignment at the Farmers’ market.
WHAT OTHERS DO:
Here is some additional information from many organizations on the topic of community food security.
1. World Hunger Year: Food Security Learning Center: articles, policy and program examples, more links
2. Community Food Security Coalition: information sharing, technical assistance and networking among organizations working to achieve community food security. Great links page!
3. The Food Project: Massachusetts-based organization that works with youth on building sustainable agricultural systems.
4. The Food Trust: organization working in Philadelphia on nutrition education, local food marketing and policy initiatives.
5. Community Farm Alliance: community-organizing organization in Kentucky that works to connect farmers with the community and work towards food, land and economic justice
6. The Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College’s Urban and Environmental Policy Institute: research, education, and capacity-building around local food systems.
7. FoodShare Toronto: a vast array of programs, research, training and technical assistance around improving access to affordable and healthy food. Great resources in the learning center!
8. Pima County Community and Economic Development: For more information on Pima County’s residents, click on the link and view the power point presentations under each service area.
