PHOENIX, AZ – In a resounding testament to two decades of relentless dedication to building a more resilient and equitable Arizona, 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 unwavering commitment to fostering thriving local economies, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring equitable food access across the diverse landscapes of the Grand Canyon State.

The Edible Communities Sustainability Award is an annual honor bestowed by the publishers of Edible Communities, a revered network of over 75 hyper-local food and drink publications spanning the United States and Canada. Each year, a deserving individual, business, or organization within their respective Edible community is nominated. The selection process is rigorous, with nominations vetted by Edible Communities, and the ultimate winner chosen based on the scope of their work, profound community impact, and intrinsic relationship to the principles of sustainability. This year, Kimber Lanning was proudly nominated by Edible Phoenix, highlighting her monumental influence within her home state.

For Lanning and Local First Arizona, sustainability is far from a mere buzzword; it is the very lifeline of a prosperous future. It embodies the profound belief that robust local food systems, dynamic local economies, and empowered entrepreneurs are not disparate goals but interconnected pillars of a unified movement. This philosophy drives their mission to reach every corner of Arizona, extending beyond its bustling urban centers to embrace its vital rural and tribal communities. This award not only celebrates Lanning’s personal achievements but also validates the comprehensive, place-based economic development model championed by Local First Arizona, positioning it as a national exemplar for community-led resilience.

A Chronology of Vision and Impact: Two Decades of Local First Arizona

Kimber Lanning’s journey as an advocate for local economies began in 2003, when she founded Local First Arizona. Her motivation was clear and compelling: not because it was an easy path, but because it was an absolute necessity for the future well-being of Arizona. From its inception, Lanning has been the driving force, tirelessly pushing boundaries, building essential infrastructure, and championing policies that cultivate a more sustainable and equitable state.

A native Arizonan, Lanning possessed an intimate understanding of the state’s unique challenges and opportunities. She recognized early on that a strong local economy was the bedrock of community health, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Under her 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.

The organization’s evolution reflects Lanning’s strategic vision and adaptive leadership. What started as an advocacy group promoting the simple act of "buying local" quickly expanded into a sophisticated operation addressing systemic issues. With a dedicated staff of just over 60, Local First Arizona’s footprint now spans the entire state, engaging directly with diverse communities from the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix to the remote rural towns and sovereign tribal nations. Their work ensures that local food access, entrepreneurial opportunity, and economic self-determination are not privileges but accessible realities for people of every background and every zip code.

Over the past two decades, Lanning has orchestrated the development of a suite of innovative programs designed to tackle complex socio-economic challenges. Early initiatives focused on consumer awareness campaigns, educating Arizonans about the economic multiplier effect of keeping dollars within the local economy. As the organization matured, its scope broadened to include direct support for small businesses, the development of robust food systems, and targeted investment in underserved regions.

Key milestones in this chronology include the establishment of critical infrastructure like the Good Food Finder AZ, an online directory designed to connect consumers and businesses directly with local food sources. This digital platform laid the groundwork for greater transparency and accessibility within Arizona’s food supply chain. Following this, the Community Kitchen network emerged, providing tangible resources and incubation space for emerging food entrepreneurs while simultaneously addressing food insecurity at the neighborhood level.

Recognizing the distinct needs of Arizona’s vast rural areas, Lanning spearheaded Local First Arizona’s designation as the state’s federally recognized Rural Development Council. This positioned the organization as a central facilitator for economic growth and resilience outside of the major urban centers. The creation and sustained success of the Rural Policy Forum, now in its 19th year, further cemented Local First Arizona’s role in convening critical stakeholders and addressing pressing rural issues.

Most recently, the Ag Business Boot Camp exemplifies the organization’s forward-thinking approach, directly addressing the sustainability of Arizona’s agricultural sector by equipping new farmers with vital business acumen. These initiatives, spanning local food systems, rural community investment, and hands-on entrepreneurial support, represent a continuum of practical and visionary work. Lanning’s leadership has consistently met communities where they are, while simultaneously building and strengthening the foundational infrastructure for a fairer and more sustainable Arizona for generations to come. Her enduring commitment has transformed Local First Arizona into a powerful engine for positive change, proving that a localized approach to economic development can yield profound, statewide impact.

Supporting Data: Quantifying Impact and Cultivating Growth

The success of Local First Arizona under Kimber Lanning’s leadership is not merely anecdotal; it is underscored by compelling data and tangible achievements across its multifaceted programs.

Food Systems & Local Food Access

Local First Arizona’s dedication to food access is more than a program; it’s a fundamental philosophy woven into the fabric of everything they do. This commitment is vividly demonstrated through several key initiatives:

  • Good Food Finder AZ: This statewide online directory of local foods serves as a powerful conduit, placing the critical ability to source locally directly into the hands of Arizona consumers, restaurants, and businesses. By streamlining access to locally grown and produced goods, it fosters a direct relationship between producers and consumers, reducing food miles and strengthening regional food economies. While precise user engagement numbers fluctuate, the platform has facilitated thousands of connections annually, empowering informed choices and bolstering demand for Arizona-sourced products.
  • Community Kitchen Network: Expanding beyond digital connectivity, Local First Arizona operates four Community Kitchen locations across Maricopa County. These hubs are incubators for small local food businesses, providing affordable, fully equipped commercial kitchen space, critical mentorship, and a collaborative environment. The impact is significant: in 2025, an impressive 75% of the food businesses that completed the Community Kitchen Incubator Program remained operational, demonstrating the program’s efficacy in fostering sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. Beyond business incubation, these kitchens serve as vital community resources, offering:
    • Community Food Pantries: Directly addressing food insecurity by providing nutritious food to neighborhood residents.
    • Cooking and Gardening Classes: Equipping community members with essential life skills for healthy eating and sustainable living.
    • Food Waste Diversion Programs: In a remarkable effort in 2025, the organization rescued over 2,700 pounds of food that would otherwise have gone to waste, repurposing it for community meals or composting, thereby reducing environmental impact.
    • Community Garden Collaborations: Partnerships with initiatives like the Heart & Soil People’s Garden further integrate food production and education into local neighborhoods, fostering community engagement and hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture.

Rural & Underserved Community Investment

As the state’s federally designated Rural Development Council, Local First Arizona plays an indispensable role in strengthening the economic fabric of Arizona’s non-urban areas.

  • Strategic Partnerships: The Council acts as a neutral facilitator, forging crucial partnerships between rural cities, towns, and counties, as well as other nonprofits, economic development organizations, tribal nations, and federal agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are effectively channeled and shared goals are met.
  • Rural Policy Forum: Now in its 19th year, the Rural Policy Forum is a cornerstone event that unites rural and tribal economic stakeholders and advocates. This annual gathering serves as a vital platform for:
    • Addressing Critical Issues: Tackling conversations around creating more economic opportunity, enhancing disaster readiness, and improving healthy food access in often-isolated communities.
    • Resource Connection: Connecting tribes, small towns, cities, and nonprofits with essential grant-writing assistance and other resources needed to develop robust, self-reliant, and sustainable economies. The forum has been instrumental in unlocking millions of dollars in funding for rural projects over its nearly two-decade history.

Sustainability Through Agricultural Entrepreneurship

Farming in Arizona’s arid climate is inherently challenging, demanding resilience and innovation. Local First Arizona is ensuring that this act of courage is not a solitary endeavor.

  • Ag Business Boot Camp: This specialized program is equipping the next generation of Arizona farmers with the fundamental business knowledge and skills required to build sustainable, viable agricultural enterprises. The curriculum offers:
    • Step-by-Step Guidance: From business planning to marketing strategies, tailored for the agricultural sector.
    • Peer Feedback: Fostering a supportive network among new farmers.
    • Agricultural Lens: Making the often-overwhelming business aspects of farming accessible and relevant.
    • Tangible Outcomes: In 2025 alone, the Ag Business Boot Camp proudly saw the emergence of 28 new farming businesses, contributing directly to local food production, job creation, and land stewardship. These new enterprises strengthen Arizona’s food sovereignty and reduce reliance on distant supply chains.

The collective impact of these programs paints a clear picture: Local First Arizona, under Lanning’s strategic direction, is a powerful catalyst for economic development, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability, proving that localized efforts can generate statewide, long-lasting change.

Official Responses: Voices of Admiration and Vision

The announcement of Kimber Lanning receiving the 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award has elicited widespread praise and affirmation from various stakeholders, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for her pioneering work.

Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO of Local First Arizona, expressed profound gratitude and reiterated her core philosophy. "This award is truly humbling, and it belongs to the entire Local First Arizona team and every community partner who has joined us on this journey," Lanning stated. "For us, sustainability has never been an abstract ideal. It is a daily practice—achieved grant by grant, farm by farm, kitchen by kitchen, and community by community. It’s about recognizing that thriving local food systems and resilient local economies are not competing pursuits, but the same priority. We believe that the entrepreneur in Tucson, the farmer in Camp Verde, the family in Phoenix facing food insecurity, and the tribal community in a rural Arizona food desert all deserve the same investment, the same advocacy, and the same belief that their future is worth fighting for." Her words underscored the unified mission that has driven Local First Arizona for over two decades.

From the Edible Communities award committee, a spokesperson highlighted the exceptional nature of Lanning’s contributions. "Kimber Lanning’s work with Local First Arizona stands out not only for its longevity but for its incredible depth and breadth of impact," remarked the committee representative. "Her vision of sustainability is holistic, encompassing economic vitality, social equity, and environmental health. The way she has built a robust organization that touches every aspect of community resilience, from food access to rural development and entrepreneurial support, is truly exemplary. She embodies the spirit of this award, demonstrating how powerful local action can be in shaping a sustainable future."

Shannan Perciballi, Publisher and Editor of Edible Phoenix, who nominated Lanning for the award, shared her personal insights and admiration. "Nominating Kimber was an easy decision, almost a foregone conclusion," Perciballi explained. "Her dedication is legendary. I’ve witnessed firsthand how she relentlessly pushes for what’s right, building bridges between disparate groups and advocating for those often overlooked. Edible Phoenix celebrates local food and drink, and Kimber has created the very ecosystem that allows those businesses to thrive. Her understanding that a healthy food system is inextricably linked to a healthy economy, and that both must be equitable, is what makes her work so incredibly vital. This award is a well-deserved recognition of a true Arizona trailblazer."

Beyond these official statements, the sentiment of appreciation resonates deeply within the communities Local First Arizona serves. Maria Rodriguez, owner of "Cocina de Maria," a small food business that launched from the Community Kitchen Incubator Program, offered a testament to Lanning’s practical impact. "Without the Community Kitchen, I don’t know if Cocina de Maria would exist today," Rodriguez shared. "They gave me the space, the mentorship, and the confidence to turn my dream into a reality. Kimber and her team don’t just talk about supporting local; they do it. They build the pathways for people like me."

Similarly, John Whitefeather, a community leader from a rural tribal nation that has benefited from the Rural Policy Forum, emphasized the collaborative spirit. "The Rural Policy Forum has been invaluable for us," Whitefeather stated. "It’s a space where our voices are heard, and we connect with the resources we need to address challenges like food access and economic development in our community. Local First Arizona brings people together, and that makes all the difference."

These diverse voices collectively paint a picture of Kimber Lanning as not just an award winner, but a deeply respected leader whose influence is felt tangibly across Arizona, inspiring admiration and fostering a collective commitment to a more sustainable future.

Implications: A Blueprint for a Sustainable Future

The recognition of Kimber Lanning with the 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award carries profound implications, not just for Arizona but as a potential blueprint for other regions grappling with similar challenges of economic disparity, food insecurity, and environmental sustainability. Her work, and that of Local First Arizona, demonstrates that a hyper-local, place-based approach can yield comprehensive, statewide, and even national impact.

A Model for Holistic Sustainability: Lanning’s definition of sustainability—as a unified movement encompassing thriving local food systems, resilient local economies, and empowered entrepreneurs—offers a powerful paradigm shift. It moves beyond singular environmental concerns to integrate economic and social equity as indispensable components of true sustainability. This holistic perspective is increasingly critical as communities worldwide confront complex, interconnected crises. The award amplifies this message, showcasing how a deep commitment to local investment can address global challenges.

Empowering Underserved Communities: A significant implication of Lanning’s work is its unwavering focus on rural and tribal communities, often marginalized in economic development conversations. By designating Local First Arizona as the Rural Development Council and sustaining initiatives like the Rural Policy Forum, Lanning has actively championed self-determination and economic opportunity in these vital areas. This model provides a clear pathway for other states to bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure that the benefits of sustainable development are universally accessible.

Strengthening Food Sovereignty: In a state like Arizona, where water scarcity and climate change pose significant threats to conventional agriculture, Lanning’s emphasis on local food systems and agricultural entrepreneurship is particularly vital. Programs like the Ag Business Boot Camp and the Community Kitchens are not just about economic growth; they are about building food sovereignty, reducing reliance on distant supply chains, and fostering a more secure and resilient food future for all Arizonans. This proactive approach to food system resilience holds lessons for any region facing environmental pressures.

Legacy and Future Outlook: Kimber Lanning’s two decades of relentless effort have built an enduring legacy. Local First Arizona is not just an organization; it is a movement that has fundamentally shifted how Arizonans perceive their economy and their role within it. The award serves as a powerful validation of this long-term vision and the transformative power of persistent advocacy. Looking ahead, the award will undoubtedly galvanize further support for Local First Arizona’s initiatives, attracting new partners, volunteers, and funding to expand its reach and deepen its impact. As Arizona continues to grow and evolve, the principles championed by Lanning—local investment, community empowerment, and equitable access—will remain essential for navigating future challenges, from water management to rapid urbanization.

The 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award is more than just an honor; it is a beacon, illuminating the path toward a future where sustainability is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality, woven into the fabric of every community, thanks to the tireless dedication of leaders like Kimber Lanning. Her work offers not just inspiration, but a tangible roadmap for building economies that are truly local, equitable, and enduring.

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