1. Increasing our Capacity to Grow Food in Apache County in 2018

2. What we do know about food access in Apache County today

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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 (?)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.