City publishes 2024 Community Food Systems Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division invites members of the public to review the recently published "2024 Community Food System Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona," which can be viewed at www.flagstaff.az.gov/NAZFSA. The Community Food Systems Assessment (CFSA), funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, provides an in-depth review of food systems, food access, and food distribution in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. This assessment completes the first of three phases of the Assessing & Growing a Sustainable Community Food System project.

The CFSA is a collaborative effort, reflecting the dedication and advocacy of those committed to establishing a sustainable and equitable food system. This report will serve as a tool to develop policy and investment strategies that address key barriers and leverage existing strengths to improve public health, foster community building, and increase capacity of the local food system to better serve the needs of residents. These findings are integral to integrating sustainable food systems into policy-guiding plans such as the Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan and the 2045 Regional Plan.

Community engagement is vital to this process, as it fosters creative partnerships, brings a diversity of voices into decision-making processes, promotes equity, and advances community-driven goals. All community members are invited to participate in the next phase of this project to cultivate a sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system in Northern Arizona for the benefit of all. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/NAZFSA.

For any related questions, please contact City of Flagstaff Food Systems Coordinator Natalie Pierson at [email protected] or (928) 213-2158.

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