Food & Farm Initiatives Manager
Phoenix, Arizona
Fostered strong community food networks in urban and rural regions of the state by providing technical assistance, resources, and connections to small- and mid-size farms, purveyors, distributors, and food coalitions. Role highlights: • Managed and relaunched Arizona's comprehensive online directory of local food, Good Food Finder• Inventoried & engaged 900+ farmers and food artisans• Managed annual Arizona Food & Farm Forum which have convened 1000 farmers and local food advocates to strategize and plan for a robust community food network. Event management included marketing, ticketing, program development, speaker management, sponsorships, logistics, and surveys.• Facilitated technical assistance in marketing, food safety, federal and state assistance programs, local conservation districts, methods of sales and distribution to build capacity.• Planned & executed all communications with Arizona food producers and distributors via e-newsletter, community media sources, online support groups, partner listserves, social media, blogs, website development, etc.• Partnered with local Economic Development Corporations and non-profits to conduct Food System Assessments, including facilitating community meetings, administering surveys, aggregating data, and making recommendations. Contributed to assessments in Gila, Pinal, and Maricopa counties. • Consulted regularly for Arizona restaurants and retailers to localize their food procurement; clients include the Phoenix Convention Center, Sprouts Farmers Market, Arrive Hotels, and various local businesses.