Arizona Profile

Farm to School programs come in many shapes and sizes unique to the communities that build them. After exploring the resources and existing programs on the left, contact your state Farm to School lead for additional information and assistance specific to Arizona:
Cindy Gentry
602-469-9400
cgentry2@cox.net

Farm to School is happening in many forms throughout the state. New school garden guidelines from the Arizona Department of Health Services make it possible for food grown in school gardens to be used in school cafeterias. The Maricopa County Extension Service has received some funding to expand school and community gardens, including schools with high percentages of free and reduced meals as well as ag literacy in the classroom. The Arizona Department of Agriculture is working to offer Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) training for growers and packers statewide to be able to sell their produce to schools. The Arizona Department of Education has hired a state coordinator for Farm to School to work with the food service aspects of the program, including offering farm tours to connect food service staff with local farms. Arizona has two Food Corp members focusing on the program – one at the White Mountain Apache reservation and one working with the Tohono O’odham Nation. In addition Tucson Community Food Bank welcomes a Congressional Hunger Fellow in August 2012 to expand the program in the area served by the food bank. Folks in Tuba City, Yavapai County, and on the Verde Valley Food Policy Council are mobilizing around the program, as are schools in Litchfield Park, Roosevelt district, Scottsdale, downtown and central Phoenix, Tempe, and Gila Crossing School on the Gila River Reservation. Some innovative partnerships include bringing local chefs and culinary programs in to focus on tasting and preparing local foods.

Check out Arizona Farm to School on Facebook!