A $250,000 pilot program aimed at delivering fresh food from Arizona farms to those in need was recently announced by Gov. Doug Ducey.
Friends of the Farm, a partnership between the Arizona Food Bank Network and the state's agriculture industry, aims to improve access to healthy foods for those citizens struggling to put on tables.
The innovative “farm to food bank” program is a partnership between the Arizona Food Bank Network, formerly known as the Association of Arizona Food Banks, and Arizona’s agriculture industry. It will bring more fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein to food banks
“Farmers and food bankers have the same goal—to feed people,” said Angie Rodgers, president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network. “With Friends of the Farm, our food banks will work directly with Arizona’s farmers to get a greater quantity and variety of healthy foods on the tables of working families, children, older adults, and other clients who come through our doors. This Thanksgiving we are grateful to Gov. Ducey for making this a priority.
Arizona’s food banks provide emergency food relief to nearly 450,000 people each month, according to the network, which added that nearly 50 percent was fresh produce.
“Arizona is committed to helping all families put healthy, fresh food on the table,” Ducey said in a statement announcing the program. “This new Friends of the Farm pilot program is a win-win that will support Arizona’s farmers and fill food banks with a variety of healthy choices.”
The network, the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Honor Health Desert Mission Food Bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, United Food Bank and Yuma Community Food Bank, distribute food to approximately 1,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, community centers and other partner agencies.
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