Community Food Resource Center
The Local Foods, Healthy Communities video informs people by promoting the health and community benefits of eating locally grown foods. The locally produced video will not only benefit local growers of fruits and vegetables by increasing consumer purchases, but our community will benefit from increased economic activity and healthier people. The Local Foods, Healthy Communities video and the diverse programs, of the Community Food Bank Community Food Resource Center educate, advocate and provide support for increased growing and eating of Arizona grown foods.
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 Resource Center supports community organizations, schools and individuals in becoming more food secure through:
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
Child Nutrition Programs: We address hunger from infancy to adulthood through numerous programs that fill in the gaps where schools, food stamps and other assistance programs leave off.
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 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
Nuestra Tierra Demonstration and Market 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.
Gardening Workshops: Through hands-on activities and conversations, learn the basics of designing and caring for a new garden in our desert climate.
Marana Farm: A 25 acre urban production and education farm which is a part of Marana’s Heritage River Park. The farm uses drip irrigation and organic methods to grow vegetables, annual fruits, herbs and flowers. The Farm welcomes youth and adults for volunteer and educational opportunities.
Gleaning: 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.
FARMERS’ MARKETS: HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS
Community Food Bank Farmers’ Market: Community Food Bank Farmer’s Market provides naturally grown, local produce Tuesday mornings for Food Bank customers and clients.
Santa Cruz River Farmers’ 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 by subscribing to the market friends e-list to get the latest on available crops and events and happenings at the market!
Marana Farm Stand: The Marana Farm Stand opened January 2008 to sell produce from the Community Food Bank farm to Northwest communities and to provide a venue for small Marana area growers to sell produce.
Community Foods Consignment: An opportunity for home gardeners and small farmers to sell their produce and other locally produced food products (honey, eggs, etc.) on consignment at the Farmers’ Markets.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
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.
9. The Partnership to End Childhood Hunger has launched an online community through Change.org
