A recent report by the Flagstaff found high levels of food insecurity in northern Arizona. The city recently published its Community Food Systems Assessment.
The assessment covers everything from the production, distribution and transportation of food to food waste across the five northernmost counties of Arizona.
Natalie Pierson is the food systems coordinator for the city. She said the assessment was the first part of a three-part plan to address food needs in the area.
“And the next phase is moving into community engagement, seeking a better understanding of the priorities of our community members when it comes to what they want to focus on when it comes to cultivating a food system that is resilient and sustainable," Pierson said.
The city will hold two community stakeholder gatherings this week to get feedback to decide where to focus its efforts going forward, before drafting a Food Action Plan.
“We are taking everything we are learning, everything we are hearing and putting it into program recommendations for cultivating a better food system," Pierson said.
