At Flagstaff Foodlink we strive to create greater access to local food for all Flagstaff residents, grow the economic strength of our local food system, create new connections between eaters, growers, and restaurateurs as well as increase resiliency by coordinating educational opportunities.

Access

Food insecurity, the lack of access to nutritious food, affects 15.8 percent of Arizonans, and 24 percent of Arizona children, according Map the Meal Gap’s 2017 food insecurity report. This makes Arizona the state with the fifth-highest national food insecurity rate for children. In Coconino County, 19.9 percent of residents experience food insecurity.

We are committed to creating greater access to local food by focusing on making healthy produce affordable for all Flagstaff residents. Several years ago, we partnered with the Flagstaff Community Market and Pinnacle Prevention to bring Double Up Food Bucks Arizona to our local farmers markets. Since then the program has expanded and several other retailers and local farms now accept Double Up Food Bucks. Double Up Food Bucks Arizona is a federally funded effort that doubles the value of WIC and SNAP benefits used at farmers markets across the state. When someone uses their SNAP Quest Card at participating farmers markets, every dollar they spend is matched with an extra dollar to spend on more Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day.

Increased access to healthy food is important for the many thousands of Arizonans who experience food insecurity, and those who live in food deserts across the state. It benefits the recipients of SNAP, local farmers, and our local economy.

Economic Development

Foodlink focuses on growing the economic strength of our local food system through creating new connections between eaters, growers, and restaurateurs. Efforts include Eat Local Tuesdays, Grower Grant Program, and the Flagstaff Grown Booth at the Flagstaff Community Market. 

• The Northern Arizona Grown Booth creates an opportunity for small scale Northern Arizona growers to sell their produce directly at the Flagstaff Community Farmer’s Market. Everyone is welcome! If you’re interested in selling your produce or starts at the Backyard Growers booth, contact flagstafffoodlink@gmail.com.

• The Grower Grants fund regional growers to expand or enhance their operations. We created the Grower Grants to fill gaps that we see in traditional funding sources for small-scale food growers and producers. The maximum grant request is $1,000 but most awards are in the $500-$1,000 range.

Resiliency 

Flagstaff Foodlink creates resiliency  by coordinating educational opportunities for community members to learn how to grow food responsibly in Flagstaff's challenging climate. Educational programs include the Flagstaff Community Seed Swap, Tour de Coop, Garden Ninja Tour, and exploratory subcommittees to develop a community greenhouse. Check out our events calendar for upcoming events. 

• The Flagstaff Community Seed Swap, a partnership between Flagstaff Foodlink, the Northern Arizona University SSLUG Garden, City of Flagstaff Sustainability Program, and the Grow Flagstaff Seed Library, takes place in early spring each year and offers an opportunity for community members to share their seeds.