The Good Food Film Series, produced by Local First Arizona’s Good Food Finder, is bringing to screens monthly, independent short films documenting and sharing Arizona’s food access stories and the societal challenges the farming and food community face. These are stories of the often unseen heroes, doing the good work of not only growing and providing healthy, fresh food to our communities but also how they are finding innovative solutions to the most pressing issues facing agriculture today.
“The Good Food Film Series conveys just how passionate and committed our local farmers are to feeding our community – even when the odds are against them,” said Somlynn Rorie, Local First Arizona’s Food and Farms Initiatives Manager. “The next set of films look at the innovative and creative solutions some of our farmers are using to conquer the ever-changing landscape of foreshadowing drought and declining access to farmable land. It’s a testament to how precious and vital these stewards of the land are to our local food system and should be seen and supported at all costs.”
The summer film series available for purchase now include:
June 8 – Arizona Agriculture: Water
The Verde Valley has been feeding the people of Arizona for more than 2,000 years. The key to the fertile land is the Verde River. Meet a group of conservationists and an Arizona farm that is dedicated to protecting this river through water conservation efforts and positive agriculture practices.
July 13 – New Wave Urban Agriculture
When you think of agriculture, usually acres of land, tractors, and perfect rows of produce come to mind. However, the next generation of farmers are taking small-scale farming to the next level. Their New Wave Urban farming approaches are born out of the land and water challenges they face, and the deeply embedded desire to grow fresh produce for their family and community without damaging the natural environment. Also, learn about the grassroots efforts of the Prescott Farmers Market, which is supporting these farmers and creating a vibrant local food scene.
August 10 – How to Break into the Retail/Wholesale Market
What do retailers and store buyers look for in a local food producer, and how does a local farmer or maker break into this large market? Meet a local food producer who has successfully expanded their distribution channel into the retail/wholesale space and gain insight into how local food producers can expand their distribution reach and make it into a supermarket near you.
Viewers can watch these on-demand films by purchasing an individual film ($7.50) or an annual Good Food Film Series all-access pass ($65) at https://www.goodfoodfinderaz.com/tickets-passes. Proceeds from the films support Local First Arizona’s food programming, which supports a vibrant, equitable food economy here in Arizona.
The Good Food Film Series is made possible by community sponsors: Rio Salado College: A Maricopa Community College; United Food Bank; City of Phoenix: Office of Environmental Programs; Town of Gilbert; Pinnacle Prevention; Arizona Food Systems Network; Native American Connections; Arizona Milk Producers; Duncan Family Farms®; University of Arizona Center of Regional Food Studies; One AZ Credit Union; Maricopa County Food System Coalition; Partnership with Native Americans; and Edible Phoenix.
Additionally, these films will be seen by students and used in course programming for Rio Salado Community College’s Sustainable Food Systems and Center of Regional Food Studies at U of A. The films bring awareness of our local food system to a general audience and educate food advocates on today’s issues in order to build a stronger tomorrow.
Good Food Finder AZ is an online resource of Local First Arizona focused on providing resources and support to Arizona’s farm and food community and local food consumers. Each year, Good Food Finder AZ hosts two events: the Arizona Food & Farm Forum and the Arizona Good Food Expo. Both events strive to convene leaders of the local food movement to foster new business connections, strengthen industry networks, and bolster the Arizona food system. Good Food Finder is an online resource hub for farmers, food producers, restaurants, and food buyers. Eat, grow, and discover local food in Arizona. Visit: goodfoodfinderaz.com
Founded in 2003 by Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. LFA educates consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy, trains small businesses to be more effective and more competitive, helps larger Arizona businesses and institutions tell their story as champions of Arizona, and creates programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally owned businesses.
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