Food Systems
A food system is the interconnected web of activities that bring food from the ground to our tables—including production, distribution, consumption, and waste. We partner with state agencies and local organizations to evaluate and strengthen the policies, systems, and environments that shape food access across communities. Explore our work below.
OUR WORK
Community Gardens
Whether in shared neighborhood spaces or housing complexes, community gardens can facilitate access to fresh produce and social connection. We've tracked garden progress for years. Today, our team's Developing Integrated Gardens (DIG) in Community guides residents through a four-step cycle of change, helping them measure garden integration and build on what's working.
Results:
- FY25 DIG in Community Results, p9
- FY23 Gardens and Farmers & Growers Findings, p7-8
- Garden Champions Report (2018)
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Farmers Markets
Farmers and mobile markets bring fresh, locally grown food to communities while supporting the growers and partners who run them. Through our work with Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), we've evaluated initiatives that expand food access, support marginalized farmers' entry into local food systems, and foster community connection.
Results:
Food Banks & Pantries
Hunger relief organizations such as food banks and pantries enhance community food security and can connect people with broader support. For over five years, our evaluations have informed improvements to these food environments, practices, and policies.This includes the Healthy Food Pantry Assessment Tool (HFPAT) and Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool Plus (NEFPAT+).
Results:
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Food Service Guidelines
Food service guidelines establish nutrition standards for the public places people eat — worksites, hospitals, parks, government settings, and more. Our team has partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services to evaluate how these standards take hold in Arizona communities to support guideline expansion.
Results:
Healthy Food Retail
Stores of all sizes, from corner markets to large grocers, influence what families can bring home for dinner. We've worked alongside Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) to evaluate the availability, appeal, and promotion of healthy retail options and inform improvements. This includes the Stocking Opportunities in the Retail Environment (STORE) Tool.
Results:
- FY23 STORE Findings, p5-7
- FY21 STORE Findings, p36-38
- Small Store Outcomes (2020)
- Using the STORE Tool in AZ (2018)
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Produce Rx Programs
Produce prescription programs (Produce Rx) support healthy food access. For years, we've evaluated state and local initiatives connecting communities with fruits and vegetables, including formative work for the Arizona Department of Health Services to better understand the state's Produce Rx landscape.
Results: