Food Access in Rural Arizona

According to a report done by a researcher studying nutrition in rural communities at the University of Arizona, 36% of rural census tracts are without a grocery store within 10 miles and 15% do not have a grocery store within 20 miles of their residence. To show this disparity, the Arizona Department of Health has created an interactive map, available on their website, that displays food access by census tract across the state. 

Further, Navajo, Apache, and Yuma counties (all notably rural areas) have the highest food insecurity rates within Arizona.

Additionally, many individuals struggle with regular and reliable access to food within Arizona. This disparity is increased even more so for those living in rural areas across the state. Here are some helpful resources to share with anyone who may be experiencing food insecurity: 

Summer Food Service Program

• Many schools and community sites are serving free meals to kids and teens ages 18 and younger. You can get meals from any site, use this map to find one close to you.

Arizona Department of Agriculture, food access links:

• A list of useful resources to access food near you (e.g., Arizona Community Farmers Markets, Emergency Food Assistance, etc.)