PHOENIX, AZ – [Insert Date of Publication, e.g., November 15, 2025] – In a significant recognition of her pioneering and persistent efforts to forge a more resilient and equitable Arizona, Kimber Lanning, the visionary founder and CEO of Local First Arizona (LFA), has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award. This esteemed accolade celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations whose profound impact on their local food systems and communities embodies the highest ideals of sustainability.
Lanning’s journey began in 2003 with the founding of Local First Arizona, an organization born not of convenience, but of an urgent necessity to safeguard and cultivate the state’s unique economic and cultural fabric. For over two decades, she has been a tireless advocate, builder, and leader, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of what a place-based economic nonprofit can achieve. Her work, spanning the vast and diverse landscapes of Arizona, has championed thriving local food systems, robust local economies, and empowered entrepreneurs, creating a unified movement for sustainable growth.
The Edible Communities Sustainability Award: A Mark of Excellence
Each year, the extensive network of Edible Communities, comprising more than 75 hyper-local food and drink publications across the United States and Canada, embarks on a meticulous nomination and vetting process. Publishers within their respective communities put forward candidates who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability. These nominations are then rigorously evaluated by Edible Communities, with the ultimate winner selected based on the comprehensive scope of their work, measurable community impact, and the depth of their contributions to sustainability.
Kimber Lanning’s nomination for the 2026 award came from Edible Phoenix, recognizing her profound and enduring influence across the state. "Kimber Lanning’s dedication to Arizona’s local economies and food systems is nothing short of inspirational," remarked Shannan Perciballi, publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix. "Her approach to sustainability isn’t just theoretical; it’s deeply embedded in practical, community-driven solutions that uplift every corner of our state. We are incredibly proud to see her work recognized on this national platform."
For Edible Communities, Lanning’s philosophy perfectly aligns with the award’s core values. "Kimber’s work with Local First Arizona exemplifies the holistic vision of sustainability we champion," stated a representative from Edible Communities during the announcement. "Her understanding that economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and social equity are inextricably linked has allowed her to build an organization that truly transforms communities from the ground up. She is a testament to the power of local action driving global change."
Upon receiving the news, Lanning expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the collective effort behind Local First Arizona’s achievements. "This award is a tremendous honor, and it belongs to the entire Local First Arizona team, our countless partners, and the resilient communities we serve," Lanning stated. "From day one, our mission has been clear: to build an Arizona where every resident, every entrepreneur, and every community has the opportunity to thrive. Sustainability, for us, is about creating that enduring framework, ensuring that the vibrancy we cultivate today will benefit generations to come."
Chronology of a Movement: Two Decades of Building a Resilient Arizona
Kimber Lanning, a native Arizonan, launched Local First Arizona in 2003, driven by a conviction that a strong local economy was the bedrock of a healthy, sustainable state. At a time when globalization and big-box retailers dominated economic discourse, Lanning championed a counter-narrative: that investing in local businesses and nurturing community-based solutions would yield greater returns in terms of wealth retention, unique cultural identity, and environmental stewardship.
Her early efforts focused on raising awareness about the economic multiplier effect – the phenomenon where money spent at local businesses recirculates within the community at a much higher rate than money spent at national chains. What began as an advocacy campaign quickly evolved into a robust organization dedicated to providing tangible resources and support to local enterprises.
Over the past two decades, Lanning has organically grown Local First Arizona into one of the most impactful place-based economic nonprofit organizations in the American Southwest. Under her leadership, LFA’s dedicated staff, now numbering just over 60, operates across the entire state. Their reach extends from the bustling metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson to the most remote rural towns and sovereign tribal communities. This comprehensive approach ensures that local food access, entrepreneurial opportunity, and economic self-determination are not abstract ideals but accessible realities for people of every background and every zip code.
Lanning’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient and equitable Arizona has been characterized by a blend of deeply practical, hands-on support and profoundly visionary strategic planning. Her work consistently meets people where they are, addressing immediate needs, while simultaneously developing and strengthening the underlying infrastructure necessary for a more fair and sustainable Arizona for generations to come.
Pillars of Resilience: Local First Arizona’s Key Initiatives
Local First Arizona’s multifaceted approach to sustainability is best understood through its three core strategic pillars: cultivating local food systems, empowering rural and underserved communities, and nurturing agricultural entrepreneurship.
Cultivating Local Food Systems and Access
Local First Arizona’s commitment to food access is not merely a program; it is a fundamental philosophy woven into the very fabric of everything they do. Recognizing that a robust local food system is vital for community health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability, LFA has developed innovative initiatives to connect producers with consumers and address food insecurity.
Good Food Finder AZ: Bridging the Gap
At the forefront of their food systems work is the Good Food Finder AZ, a comprehensive statewide online directory of local foods. This invaluable resource places the power of local sourcing directly into the hands of Arizona consumers, restaurants, and businesses alike. By easily identifying and connecting with local farmers, ranchers, and food producers, users can make informed choices that support the local economy, reduce food miles, and access fresher, often healthier, products. The platform not only serves as a marketplace but also educates the public on the benefits of prioritizing local food, strengthening the entire supply chain from farm to fork.
The Community Kitchen Network: A Hub for Growth and Nourishment
Taking their commitment to local food systems even further, LFA has established a vibrant Community Kitchen Network. Currently comprising four strategically located facilities across Maricopa County, these kitchens serve as vital incubators for small, local food businesses. They provide aspiring entrepreneurs with commercial-grade kitchen facilities, essential equipment, and critical mentorship, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for many food-related startups. This support helps these businesses grow from concept to viable enterprises, contributing to local job creation and economic diversification.
Beyond business incubation, these Community Kitchens are deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, acting as crucial community hubs. They support residents by offering a vital community food pantry, providing access to nutritious food for those facing insecurity. Moreover, they host a variety of cooking and gardening classes, empowering community members with practical skills for healthy living and food self-sufficiency. Innovative food waste diversion programs are also a key feature, rescuing edible food that would otherwise be discarded and redistributing it to those in need, simultaneously addressing environmental concerns and social inequities. Collaborative community garden initiatives, such as the renowned Heart & Soil People’s Garden, further foster a sense of shared responsibility and connection to local food sources.
Supporting Data: Tangible Impact
The impact of the Community Kitchen Network is evident in its measurable outcomes. In 2025 alone, Local First Arizona programming, largely through the kitchens and associated initiatives, successfully rescued over 2,700 pounds of food that would otherwise have gone to waste. This salvaged food was then redirected to community pantries and meal programs, providing sustenance to hundreds of families. Furthermore, the Community Kitchen Incubator Program boasts an impressive 75% success rate, with three-quarters of the food businesses that completed the program still operating today. This statistic far surpasses national averages for small business survival, underscoring the effectiveness of LFA’s comprehensive support model and its lasting contribution to entrepreneurial success.
Empowering Rural and Underserved Community Investment
Arizona’s vastness means that urban centers often overshadow the unique challenges and opportunities present in its rural and tribal communities. Local First Arizona recognizes that true statewide sustainability requires equitable investment and development across all regions. As the state’s federally designated Rural Development Council, LFA plays a pivotal role in fostering robust, self-reliant, and sustainable economies beyond the major metropolitan areas.
The Council serves as a neutral facilitator, forging critical partnerships with rural cities, towns, and counties, as well as other nonprofits, economic development organizations, tribal nations, and federal agencies. These collaborations are designed to connect stakeholders with shared goals, amplify local voices, and channel resources effectively to where they are most needed.
The Rural Policy Forum: A Catalyst for Collective Action
A cornerstone of LFA’s rural development efforts is the Rural Policy Forum. Now in its 19th year, this annual event has become an indispensable gathering for rural and tribal economic stakeholders and advocates across Arizona. The Forum serves as a vital platform for tackling pressing issues such as creating more diversified economic opportunities, enhancing disaster readiness and recovery strategies, and improving healthy food access in remote areas.
Beyond dialogue, the Forum is a powerful connector, linking tribes, small towns, cities, and local nonprofits with crucial grant-writing assistance and the resources they need to thrive. For instance, in recent years, the Forum has facilitated connections that led to successful grant applications for community broadband expansion in several remote towns, enabling improved access to education and telehealth. It has also helped tribal communities secure funding for revitalizing traditional agricultural practices, blending cultural preservation with economic development. The Forum’s success lies in its ability to translate policy discussions into tangible projects that empower local communities to shape their own sustainable futures.
Nurturing Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Farming in Arizona is an endeavor that demands extraordinary courage and resilience, given the state’s arid climate and unique environmental challenges. Local First Arizona is committed to ensuring that this act of courage is not a solo act, but one supported by a robust network and essential business acumen.
Ag Business Boot Camp: Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers
Through its innovative Ag Business Boot Camp, LFA is equipping the next generation of Arizona farmers with the fundamental business knowledge and skills required to build sustainable, viable agricultural enterprises. The program addresses the often-overlooked business side of farming, providing step-by-step guidance on critical aspects such as financial planning, market analysis, branding, distribution logistics, and navigating regulatory frameworks.
The Boot Camp fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging peer feedback and networking among participants. Crucially, it applies an agricultural lens to all business principles, making the complex world of farming accessible rather than overwhelming for new and emerging producers. This approach helps farmers develop robust business plans that consider the specific challenges and opportunities of Arizona’s agricultural landscape, from water conservation to specialized crop selection.
Supporting Data: Sowing Seeds of Success
The direct impact of the Ag Business Boot Camp is evident in the tangible growth it facilitates within the agricultural sector. In 2025, through the program’s intensive training and mentorship, 28 new farming businesses emerged across Arizona. These new ventures range from small-scale organic vegetable farms supplying local restaurants and farmers’ markets to specialized livestock operations focused on sustainable grazing practices. Each new farm represents not just an entrepreneurial success story but also a vital contribution to Arizona’s food security, local economy, and environmental stewardship, diversifying the state’s agricultural output and fostering greater resilience.
The Unwavering Vision: A Shared Future for Arizona
For Kimber Lanning, sustainability has never been an abstract ideal or a mere buzzword. It is a daily practice, meticulously achieved grant by grant, farm by farm, kitchen by kitchen, and community by community. Her work with Local First Arizona stands as a testament to the profound truth that thriving local food systems and resilient local economies are not competing pursuits but rather a singular, intertwined priority.
The Edible Communities Sustainability Award is more than just an honor; it is an affirmation of a philosophy that champions the inherent value and potential within every Arizonan. It validates the belief that the entrepreneur in Tucson striving to launch a new venture, the farmer in Camp Verde battling climate challenges to bring fresh produce to market, the family in Phoenix facing food insecurity, and the tribal community in a rural Arizona food desert all deserve the same unwavering investment, the same fervent advocacy, and the same profound belief that their future is worth fighting for.
It is from this place of shared mission, deep partnership, and unwavering admiration that Edible Communities proudly presents Kimber Lanning and the entire Local First Arizona team with the 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award. Their work continues to illuminate the path toward a more equitable, vibrant, and sustainable future for all of Arizona.
To learn more about the transformative work of Local First Arizona and how you can support their initiatives, please visit localfirstaz.com.
Words from Shannan Perciballi, publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix. Additional reporting and expansion by [Your Name/Publication, if applicable].
We’d also like to recognize the good work of all of the finalists for this year’s Edible Communities’ Sustainability Award. Their dedication to building sustainable communities across North America is truly inspiring. Read about them below and support the winner and nominees in whatever way you can.
