Increasing our Capacity to Grow Food in Apache County in 2018

What we do know about food access in Apache County today

What we do know about food access in Apache County today ***Over the past 6 years 6 of the largest growers in our region stopped going to market or they sell elsewhere. ***While there is a greater interest in obtaining local food and attending farmer’s markets, there are only a handful of growers who sell produce. ***People are more eager to learn how to grow their own food--surveys, new garden clubs created, garden education classes are well attended

What we do know about food access in Apache County today ***It is getting more difficult to grow food in our area and growing patterns are changing. ***Apache County will be facing an economic challenge with the future coal plant closures—this will inevitably impact the ability of the population to maintain acceptable living standards and feed themselves. ***We DO have knowledgeable & successful food producers who live in Apache County who are willing to teach others.

The Kind of Support We Need #1: INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION Create a full-time position – GARDEN EDUCATION MEDIA SPECIALIST (GEM) Online Calendar of garden-related activities Online Directory - grower contact information Online List of current food charities Market this service through various media

The Kind of Support We Need #2: GRASSROOTS MENTORING - Education Create & Financially Support a 3–5 person team of APACHE COUNTY GARDEN COACHES Make home visits upon resident request Offer garden assessments & recommendations Follow-Up home visits upon request Will be compensated for time and travel Will establish a 2nd Team composed of substitutes and to replace retiring coaches (current coaches will mentor 2nd Team) Residents’ requests processed through the GEM specialist (?)

Positive Potential Outcomes for Apache County by Creating a Grassroots Team of Mentors Learning and Networking inherent in collaboration Increased Efficiency of Existing Resources (cost effective) Create an Agricultural Leadership Base Increased Agricultural Knowledge leads to greater Self-Sufficiency for residents

Positive Potential Outcomes for Apache County by Creating a Grassroots Team of Mentors Personal attention to individual gardeners and their gardens results in more effective teaching and more sustainable results Demonstrates County commitment to its residents and to using tax dollars to benefit them directly – instills confidence & food security

Positive Potential Outcomes for Apache County by Creating a Grassroots Team of Mentors Funding this people-to-people kind of project is a good investment of County dollars: high accountability; low cost for big results Existing County Stakeholders (extension office, garden clubs, farmers market organizers, town governments, etc.) can serve as resources, patrons, and marketers for the concept.

The Kind of Support We Need #2: GRASSROOTS MENTORING - Labor Another level of service – LABOR . . . Implementing the recommendations – A member of the Coaching Team can perform some of the physical tasks, or outside labor can be brought in to assist with the tasks.