Arizona Profile

In Spring 2007, Community Food Connections, in collaboration with the Community Food Security Center of the Community Food Bank, Tucson, and the Arizona Department of Education led a statewide survey of school district food service directors with regard to food purchasing practices and the feasibility of establishing a farm to school program in Arizona. The 38 question survey investigated how food is purchased and served for school meals as well as the types of foods served. The information gathered by this effort will be used to guide the formulation of a farm to school program here in our state. Responses to the survey suggest that there is significant interest in this program idea. Also, motivations for involvement closely parallel the reasons for creating such a program: increasing access to fresher food products and supporting the local community and Arizona farmers. At the same time, not all schools have access to nearby local farms or know where the farms are or what produce they might have. Thus, as indicated by survey responses, a list of Arizona farmers and their products will be very helpful going forward. A further survey to assess the interest of producers and supply is underway and expected to be completed in August 2007.

(adapted from Food System Connections, newsletter of the Community Food Connections, July 2007, Volume 4)

See Existing Programs for additional information on farm to school programs in Arizona