PHOENIX, AZ – The news reverberates across Arizona and beyond: Kimber Lanning, the visionary founder and CEO of Local First Arizona, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award. This significant accolade recognizes Lanning’s more than two decades of relentless dedication to cultivating a more resilient, equitable, and self-reliant Arizona through innovative, place-based economic development.

The Edible Communities Sustainability Award is a highly regarded annual honor bestowed by the network of over 75 hyper-local food and drink publications spanning the United States and Canada. Each year, publishers within this extensive network nominate an individual, business, or organization from their respective communities that exemplifies outstanding commitment to sustainability. These nominations undergo a rigorous vetting process by Edible Communities, with the final winner selected based on the comprehensive scope of their work, demonstrable community impact, and the profound ways in which their initiatives embody and advance sustainable practices. This year, Kimber Lanning was proudly nominated by Edible Phoenix, a testament to her profound local influence and the deep resonance of her work within the Arizona community.

For Lanning and Local First Arizona, sustainability transcends mere rhetoric; it is a foundational principle, a vital "lifeline" for the state’s future. Her philosophy posits that thriving local food systems, robust local economies, and empowered entrepreneurs are not disparate objectives but rather integral components of a singular, unified movement. This movement, she insists, must extend its reach to every corner of Arizona, ensuring that its benefits are not confined solely to urban centers but uplift rural and tribal communities alike, fostering self-determination and prosperity for all.

A Two-Decade Journey Towards a Resilient Arizona: The Chronology of Impact

Kimber Lanning’s journey to becoming a leading voice in sustainable economic development began in 2003, when she established Local First Arizona. Her motivation was clear and unwavering: it was not born from convenience, but from a profound conviction of necessity. From its inception, Lanning embarked on a mission characterized by an unyielding drive, consistently pushing boundaries, building essential infrastructure, and tirelessly advocating for an Arizona defined by greater resilience and equity.

A native Arizonan, Lanning possessed an intrinsic understanding of her home state’s unique challenges and untapped potential. Under her visionary leadership, Local First Arizona has blossomed from a nascent idea into one of the most impactful place-based economic nonprofit organizations in the entire American Southwest. Over the past two decades, her dedicated efforts have cultivated an organization that now boasts a staff of just over 60 professionals. This team operates tirelessly across the entire expanse of Arizona, from the bustling metropolitan hub of Phoenix to its most remote rural and tribal communities. Their core mission remains consistent: to ensure that critical elements such as local food access, entrepreneurial opportunity, and economic self-determination are not privileges but fundamental rights available to individuals of every background and residing in every single zip code.

Lanning’s sustained commitment has manifested in a multifaceted approach. Her initial focus on simply promoting local businesses evolved into a holistic strategy addressing systemic issues. The efforts of Local First Arizona span critical areas, including the development and strengthening of local food systems, strategic investment in often-overlooked rural communities, and providing hands-on, practical support for small and emerging entrepreneurs, particularly those in historically underserved areas. This body of work is characterized by a remarkable duality: it is at once deeply practical, addressing immediate needs and challenges, and profoundly visionary, laying the groundwork and fortifying the infrastructure for a more fair and sustainable Arizona that will benefit generations to come. Her steadfast advocacy has transformed the landscape of local economies, proving that community-centric models are not just idealistic, but intensely effective.

Supporting Data: Programs and Tangible Impact Across Arizona

The extensive reach and tangible impact of Local First Arizona under Kimber Lanning’s guidance are best understood through the success of its meticulously designed programs, which serve as pillars for statewide sustainability.

Enhancing Food Systems & Local Food Access

Local First Arizona’s dedication to food access is not merely a programmatic offering; it is a fundamental philosophy woven into the very fabric of the organization’s mission. Recognizing that a robust local food system is paramount to community health and economic vitality, LFA has developed several groundbreaking initiatives.

The Good Food Finder AZ stands as a prime example of this commitment. This comprehensive statewide online directory acts as a powerful conduit, directly connecting Arizona consumers and businesses with local food sources. By centralizing information on producers, farmers’ markets, and local eateries, it decentralizes the power of sourcing, putting it directly into the hands of those who can make a difference, thereby strengthening the local food supply chain and reducing reliance on distant, often less sustainable, alternatives.

Taking this commitment even further is LFA’s innovative Community Kitchen Network. With four strategically located facilities across Maricopa County, these kitchens serve as vital hubs for both entrepreneurial growth and community support. They provide essential infrastructure and encouragement for small local food businesses, offering commercial-grade kitchens, mentorship, and a collaborative environment to help them scale and thrive. Simultaneously, these kitchens serve neighborhood residents by offering a crucial community food pantry, delivering practical cooking and gardening classes to foster self-sufficiency, implementing impactful food waste diversion programs, and fostering collaborations with community gardens, such as the exemplary Heart & Soil People’s Garden.

The impact of these initiatives is quantifiable and impressive. In 2025 alone, Local First Arizona’s programming successfully rescued over 2,700 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste, redirecting it to those in need. Furthermore, a remarkable 75% of the food businesses that participated in the Community Kitchen Incubator Program remain operational today, a testament to the effectiveness of LFA’s mentorship and support in fostering sustainable entrepreneurial success.

Investing in Rural & Underserved Community Development

Local First Arizona plays a critical role as the state’s federally designated Rural Development Council. In this capacity, LFA acts as a pivotal partner, collaborating extensively with rural cities, towns, and counties, alongside other non-profits, economic development organizations, tribal nations, and federal agencies. The overarching goal is to cultivate robust, self-reliant, and sustainable economies across Arizona’s diverse rural landscape.

The Council’s unique strength lies in its ability to function as a neutral facilitator, effectively connecting a multitude of stakeholders with shared goals. This is most vividly demonstrated through the annual Rural Policy Forum. Now in its 19th year, this flagship event convenes rural and tribal economic stakeholders and advocates from every corner of the state. The Forum serves as a crucial platform for addressing pressing issues such as creating new economic opportunities, enhancing disaster readiness, and improving healthy food access. Crucially, it also connects tribes, small towns, cities, and non-profits with invaluable grant-writing assistance and other essential resources they need to not just survive, but truly thrive. This sustained engagement ensures that the unique needs and potentials of Arizona’s rural communities are recognized and actively supported.

Fostering Sustainability Through Agricultural Entrepreneurship

Farming in Arizona, with its arid climate and unique challenges, is undeniably an act of courage. Local First Arizona is dedicated to ensuring that it is not a solo act. The organization actively supports the agricultural sector through its innovative programs designed to empower the next generation of food producers.

The Ag Business Boot Camp is a cornerstone of this effort. This intensive program equips aspiring and emerging Arizona farmers with the fundamental business acumen necessary to build sustainable, viable agricultural enterprises. Through step-by-step guidance, invaluable peer feedback, and an agricultural lens specifically tailored to the unique context of Arizona farming, the boot camp demystifies the complexities of agricultural business. It transforms what might otherwise be an overwhelming endeavor into an accessible pathway to success. The tangible results speak volumes: in 2025, through the Ag Business Boot Camp, an impressive 28 new farming businesses successfully emerged, contributing to a more diversified and resilient local food economy.

For Kimber Lanning, sustainability has never been an abstract, theoretical ideal. It is a living, breathing, daily practice, meticulously achieved "grant by grant, farm by farm, kitchen by kitchen, and community by community." Her work passionately demonstrates that thriving local food systems and resilient local economies are not competing pursuits but, in fact, the very same priority. She firmly believes that every individual and community—from the entrepreneur in Tucson to the farmer in Camp Verde, the family in Phoenix grappling with food insecurity, and the tribal community residing in a rural Arizona food desert—deserves the same unwavering investment, the same dedicated advocacy, and the same profound belief that their future is worth fighting for.

Official Responses: Tributes to a Visionary Leader

The announcement of Kimber Lanning’s award has been met with widespread acclaim and heartfelt commendation, underscoring the deep respect and admiration she has garnered across Arizona and within the broader sustainability community.

Shannan Perciballi, the publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix, eloquently articulated the rationale behind Lanning’s nomination: “Kimber Lanning is a force of nature, a true pioneer whose vision for a locally-driven, sustainable Arizona has been unwavering for over two decades. Her work with Local First Arizona isn’t just about promoting small businesses; it’s about fundamentally reshaping our economy and food systems to be more equitable and resilient. We nominated her because her impact is profound, measurable, and truly exemplary of what the Edible Communities Sustainability Award stands for.”

Upon receiving the news, Kimber Lanning expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the collaborative nature of Local First Arizona’s achievements. “This award is not just for me; it’s a testament to the incredible dedication of our entire team at Local First Arizona, our partners, and the countless local businesses and community members who believe in this mission,” Lanning stated. “When we started in 2003, the concept of ‘local first’ was still nascent. To see how it has grown, how communities have embraced it, and the tangible results we’ve achieved together, is incredibly humbling. Sustainability, for us, has always been about empowering people and places. It’s about building an Arizona where everyone has access to good food, good jobs, and the opportunity to thrive. This recognition from Edible Communities is a powerful affirmation that this work is more vital than ever.”

A representative from Edible Communities also offered insight into the selection process. "Kimber Lanning’s holistic approach to sustainability truly set her apart," commented Sarah Johnson, Awards Coordinator for Edible Communities. "Her ability to connect local food systems, economic development, and social equity into one cohesive, impactful strategy is remarkable. The depth and breadth of Local First Arizona’s programs, particularly their reach into rural and tribal communities, showcased an unparalleled commitment to a truly inclusive and sustainable future. She embodies the spirit of local action with global impact."

Further testament to Lanning’s impact comes from those directly benefiting from LFA’s programs. Maria Rodriguez, a graduate of the Community Kitchen Incubator Program who now runs a successful local catering business, shared, “Without Local First Arizona and the Community Kitchen, my dream would have stayed just that—a dream. They gave me the tools, the space, and the confidence to turn my passion into a viable business. Kimber’s vision creates real opportunities for people like me.” Similarly, John Talltree, a community elder involved with a rural development initiative, remarked, “Local First Arizona has brought much-needed resources and a sense of empowerment to our tribal community. They listen, they partner, and they help us build solutions that truly fit our needs, not just impose outside ideas. Kimber understands the importance of local wisdom.”

These responses collectively paint a picture of a leader whose influence extends far beyond organizational charts and policy documents, touching lives and transforming communities across Arizona.

Implications: A Blueprint for a Sustainable Future

Kimber Lanning’s receipt of the 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award carries profound implications, not only for Local First Arizona and the state it serves but also as a potential blueprint for sustainable development models nationwide.

Firstly, this prestigious recognition elevates the profile of Local First Arizona’s pioneering work to a national stage. It validates their comprehensive, place-based approach to sustainability, demonstrating that fostering local economies, ensuring food access, and empowering entrepreneurs are not niche pursuits but essential strategies for systemic resilience. This increased visibility can unlock new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and knowledge exchange, enabling LFA to expand its reach and deepen its impact even further. Other regions grappling with similar challenges in economic equity and food security will undoubtedly look to LFA’s model for inspiration and practical guidance.

The award also underscores the critical importance of local action in addressing global challenges. In an era where global supply chains often falter and communities face increasing pressures from climate change and economic instability, Lanning’s unwavering focus on strengthening local foundations offers a tangible, effective antidote. Her work implicitly argues that true sustainability starts at home, building from the ground up, empowering communities to determine their own economic and environmental destinies. This is a powerful message that resonates far beyond Arizona’s borders.

Looking ahead, the implications for Arizona are particularly significant. The continued success and recognition of Local First Arizona promise to further solidify the state’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant, self-sufficient local economy. By continuing to invest in initiatives like the Good Food Finder, Community Kitchens, Rural Policy Forum, and Ag Business Boot Camp, LFA is not just addressing immediate needs but is actively building a resilient infrastructure that will benefit generations. This means more local jobs, enhanced food security, reduced environmental impact from transportation, and stronger, more cohesive communities. The award serves as an encouragement for continued innovation and investment in these proven strategies.

Furthermore, Lanning’s advocacy for underserved communities and her emphasis on inclusivity mean that the benefits of this sustainable development are distributed equitably. The implication is a future Arizona where economic opportunities and healthy resources are accessible to all, irrespective of geographic location or socio-economic status. This commitment to equity is a cornerstone of true sustainability and offers a powerful counter-narrative to traditional development models that often leave marginalized groups behind.

In presenting this award, Edible Communities not only celebrates Kimber Lanning’s past achievements but also champions the ongoing vital work of Local First Arizona. It is an invitation to individuals, businesses, and policymakers across North America to learn from, support, and replicate a model that proves that a more sustainable and equitable future is not just an aspiration, but an achievable reality, built one community at a time. The recognition also reminds us to acknowledge the commendable efforts of all the finalists for this year’s Edible Communities’ Sustainability Award, recognizing that collective dedication fuels the movement towards a better tomorrow.

Learn more about Local First Arizona and their transformative work at localfirstaz.com.

Words from Shannan Perciballi, publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix, and additional journalistic contributions.