Food Systems


Strategies for Food Systems

Support the production, distribution, and availability of food to increase access and consumption of healthy foods.

Activity Description
Food Systems Policy Develop and support food systems policies at state, regional, county, or municipal levels
Food Access Enhance policies, systems, and environments that support no-cost food programs (where food is free)
Food Retail Enhance policies, systems, and environments that support food retail (where food is purchased)
Farmers/Growers Train and connect local farmers and food producers to support locally-based food access and food retail
Gardens Support community and home gardens
Community Engagement Engage residents in SNAP-Ed eligible communities in the process and planning using consulting, involving and collaborating techniques.

Tools for Food Systems

Displaying the most recent 1 of 38 total tools.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

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The Arizona Summer Food Service Program webpage shares where children and teens (18 and under) can receive free meals during the summer, with an interactive map to find nearby sites. It also highlights resources for partners, including the Summer Food Program Toolkit (SFSP Toolkit), which provides customizable materials and guidance to support outreach and promotion.

Tribal Food Sovereignty Series: Part 2

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This Tribal Food Sovereignty Speaker Series provided AZ Health Zone staff and community partners with a deeper understanding of Tribal food sovereignty and justice efforts across Arizona. This recorded training provides some best practices for authentic relationship-building and ways to nurture food systems partnerships with Tribal community members and grassroots organizations leading food soveriegnty efforts with their communities. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/pqRhfP5pP8nxHsZVM6ftn3avy-noKLkjtmKib2zEZJPbGzP5TdDs_OF1Llwk9OqE.lWaEErKKsgnn4_rI

Tribal Food Sovereignty Speaker Series: Part 1

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This Tribal Food Sovereignty Speaker Series provided AZ Health Zone staff and community partners with a deeper understanding of Tribal food sovereignty and justice efforts across Arizona. This recorded training provides some best practices for authentic relationship-building and ways to nurture food systems partnerships with Tribal community members and grassroots organizations leading food soveriegnty efforts with their communities. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/IsPKsB0lzHfuVx202ZzRCHjjwHds3Rge0RXUIUscVa6_vYaCVZeXd-GqKb_sVct1.pARzGrHKpPMGcZ9K

DIG in Community Implementation Training

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This recorded training provides an implemention overview, support and tools for the DIG in Community Evaluation Tool. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/rr-eKdQjDhQKp2nq4pR7WIYuuZ81l9GzmQdoDROK6UHykW1YZFlMnjt7LbE1h9l1.qmi1_KOUUjo45e8F

Food Systems Implementation Stages Training (04/2021)

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Food and Food Systems Resources

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These resources are for individuals, households, governments, tribes, institutions, communities, and community-based and feeding organizations.
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Tribal Farm to ECE

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Farm to ECE in Tribal programs can be used to introduce the traditional foods, foodways, culture and language of the Tribe. Although farm to ECE is relatively new, this practice of embracing Indigenous knowledge and values in harmony with Native lifeways has existed for generations and has proven positive results on health, education and hunger.
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Grant Training Part 2: Research and Application (2 of 2)

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Grant Training Part 2 of 2, presented by Pinnacle Prevention in 2023.
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Grant Training Part 1: Collective Impact and Community Partnership (1 of 2)

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Grant Training Part 1 of 2, presented by Evelyn Whitmer & Rhegan Derfus in 2023.
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Fresh Farm Produce 101

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A short guide to identifying, storing, and preparing vegetables.
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Farm2ECE Resources

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These resources can help advance Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) in your state or community. Farm to ECE programs provide children with increased access to healthy, regionally produced foods through local purchasing. They can also help children learn more about food and how food is grown.
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SUNBucks Overview and Support

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Training on what SUNBucks is and what AZ Health Zone Local Implementing Agencies can do to support.
SUNBucks Overview and Support Training

Engage Community Members in 10 minutes or Less

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Community engagement webinar presented on 11/9/23. Simple strategies to incorporate more community engagement. Facilitated discussion of successful strategies from AZ Health Zone local implementing agencies.
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Fulfilling the Promise of Community Engagement

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Community Engagement webinar presented on 5/29/24. Strategies for using the information gathered through consulting, involving and collaborating.
Fulfilling the Promise of Community Engagement

DIG Planning Tool – Diné

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DIG Planning Tool

DIG in Community and Schools Infographic

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Determining which DIG In Evaluation and Training is Right for Your Site.
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Developing Integrated Gardens Action Planning Tool – Spanish

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Developing Integrated Gardens Action Plan

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Congratulations on completing Step 1 of the DIG in Cycle of Improvement! You can now use your DIG in tool results and this planning sheet for Step 2. We have created this template to help you and your team review your DIG in ratings, summarize your garden goals, create an action plan and develop a task list for the next steps.
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Person-Centered Tips for Food Systems

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This resource and tip sheet is designed to support person-centered approaches for Food Systems strategies and activities.
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Maricopa County Food Systems Local Best Practices: Policies and Regulations (2020)

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This guide is organized by the core elements that influence food system policy including general planning, zoning, local food production, water use, food waste, and economic development. The guide highlights best practices, stories from the field, and opportunities for each of these elements. This guide is designed for use by city council; appointed public officials; city and town planning, zoning, economic development, and public works departments; advocates; practitioners; and, anyone interested in improving the food system or playing a role in decision-making around the local food system.
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Key Contacts for Food Systems

Jackie Rybin

Jackie Rybin

Food Systems Specialist