Community Food Connections is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization established in 2002 whose mission it is to grow strong communities, healthy food, healthy families and healthy farms. We work to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas through expanding outlets for and production of local food. Our programs create jobs, support micro-enterprise development and build family self-sufficiency.

CFC has a successful track record including developing nutrition services at farmers markets statewide, a Farm to School Program and the Downtown Phoenix Public Market.  We developed the resources to bring the federal WIC and Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program to Arizona, as well as wireless point of sale terminals that can process food stamps at open-air markets. Our Farm to School program links local farmers with schools to improve the nutritional offerings in the cafeterias, often at low-income schools. This initiative not only improves the health of the children but creates new outlets for small local farmers who are struggling to make ends meet. 

This Good Food video was produced by Fourth Sector Consulting for the

WK Kellogg Foundation: click on the arrow below to play.

Our work includes:

• Hunger Prevention through the Arizona Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, the EBT at Farmers' Market Project.  
• Building self-reliant local and regional food systems with strategies that include  creating and offering on-going workshops to develop community leaders and community solutions to meet local food needs, develop infrastructure to support identified strengths and address gaps.
• Creating and supporting local and regional economic and community development activities like the Downtown Phoenix Public Market and a pilot Farm to Cafeteria Program in order to improve overall quality of life and create healthier choices for Arizona households.

As you shop at a farmers' market this week you may meet up with an old acquaintance or make a new friend, try something new...or, taking a walk in your neighborhood you may also discover a community garden -  a place of many uses and seasons: besides fruits and vegetables, gardens grow relationships, creativity, and communication. They offer a place to enjoy the beauty and solace of nature even in the midst of an urban setting.

The market, the garden, the kitchen, the hearth, the dinner table, all build around la olla común (common pot) where food creates connections. Where smells, sounds, sights, and some of the best ideas are generated in a hundred daily ways.  Food - getting it, growing it, selling it, buying it, cooking it, eating it, making sure everyone has enough of it , just has its ways of bringing people together.  And where people come together there is community. Where there is community, individual ideas, dreams and strength connect and can be made even greater.