PHOENIX, AZ – [Date] – In a resounding testament to two decades of unwavering dedication to fostering 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. The announcement celebrates Lanning’s relentless pursuit of a holistic approach to sustainability, where thriving local food systems, robust regional economies, and empowered entrepreneurs are recognized not as disparate goals, but as interconnected pillars of a flourishing community.

The annual Edible Communities Sustainability Award, presented by a network of over 75 hyper-local food and drink publications across North America, distinguishes an individual, business, or organization within their local "Edible" community for outstanding contributions. Nominations are rigorously vetted by Edible Communities, with the ultimate winner selected based on the breadth of their work, profound community impact, and intrinsic relationship to sustainability. This year, Lanning’s nomination came from Edible Phoenix, highlighting her profound influence across Arizona’s diverse landscapes.

Since establishing Local First Arizona in 2003, Lanning has championed a philosophy where sustainability transcends mere environmental rhetoric, becoming a practical lifeline for communities. Her work embodies the belief that economic self-determination, local food access, and entrepreneurial opportunity are fundamental rights that must extend to every corner of Arizona, from its bustling urban centers to its most remote rural and tribal communities.

"Kimber Lanning’s leadership at Local First Arizona exemplifies the very essence of what the Edible Communities Sustainability Award stands for," stated Shannan Perciballi, publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix. "Her tireless efforts have not only built an organization of immense impact but have also cultivated a deeper understanding that true sustainability is woven into the fabric of our local economies and our shared commitment to one another. She doesn’t just talk about change; she meticulously builds the infrastructure for it, community by community, grant by grant, and farm by farm."

A Vision Forged in Necessity: The Chronology of Local First Arizona

Kimber Lanning’s journey began not from a place of convenience, but from a profound conviction that a different path was necessary for Arizona’s future. A native Arizonan, Lanning observed a growing disconnect between local businesses and consumers, a vulnerability in supply chains, and an increasing struggle for independent enterprises to thrive against larger corporate entities. This nascent understanding, coupled with a deep love for her home state, catalyzed her to act.

2003: The Genesis of a Movement. Local First Arizona was founded with a singular, audacious goal: to shift consumer spending and public policy towards local, independent businesses. In its early days, Lanning spearheaded grassroots campaigns, educating Arizonans on the tangible benefits of supporting local—how every dollar spent locally recirculates in the community at a significantly higher rate, creating jobs, funding public services, and fostering unique community character. It was a bold stance against the prevailing tide of globalization and homogenization. The organization quickly became a powerful voice, advocating for policies that leveled the playing field for small businesses and promoted a resilient local economy.

2003-2010: Building the Foundation. The initial years were marked by extensive outreach, establishing a network of local businesses, and organizing "buy local" campaigns. Lanning and her nascent team worked tirelessly to gather data, demonstrating the economic impact of local businesses, and built coalitions with chambers of commerce, civic leaders, and community groups. This period saw Local First Arizona establish its credibility as a serious economic development player, moving beyond simple advocacy to tangible program development.

2011-2018: Expansion into Food Systems and Rural Development. Recognizing that economic resilience was inextricably linked to food security and the vitality of rural areas, Local First Arizona strategically expanded its scope. The realization that Arizona’s vast rural and tribal lands held immense potential, yet often faced significant challenges in terms of economic opportunity and food access, led to the development of specialized programs. This era saw the inception of initiatives aimed at strengthening local food supply chains, supporting agricultural entrepreneurs, and serving as a critical resource for rural communities striving for self-reliance. This expansion marked a significant evolution, demonstrating Lanning’s understanding of the interconnectedness of various sustainability facets.

2019-Present: Deepening Impact and Innovation. In recent years, Local First Arizona has matured into one of the most impactful, place-based economic nonprofit organizations in the American Southwest. Under Lanning’s leadership, the dedicated staff, now numbering just over 60, operates across the entire state. Their work is characterized by an unwavering commitment to hands-on support, innovative programming, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that their mission reaches people of every background and every zip code. The organization has become a go-to resource for communities grappling with economic development, food access, and sustainable growth, solidifying its reputation as a leader in comprehensive community building.

Supporting Data: A Tapestry of Impactful Programs

Local First Arizona’s success lies in its deeply practical yet profoundly visionary approach. It meets people where they are, addressing immediate needs while simultaneously building robust infrastructure for a more fair and sustainable Arizona for generations to come. The organization’s efforts span three critical areas, each bolstered by impressive outcomes.

Food Systems & Local Food Access: Cultivating Community Resilience

Local First Arizona’s commitment to food access is not merely a program but a core philosophy woven into the fabric of everything they do. Recognizing that a secure and equitable food system is fundamental to community health and economic stability, they have developed several groundbreaking initiatives:

  • Good Food Finder AZ: This statewide online directory serves as a vital resource, placing the power of local sourcing directly into the hands of Arizona consumers and businesses alike. From farmers and ranchers to artisans and markets, Good Food Finder AZ connects demand with supply, shortening food chains, supporting local producers, and making healthy, locally-grown food more accessible. For a consumer seeking seasonal produce, a restaurant aiming to source local ingredients, or a school looking for regional food partners, the directory simplifies the process, fostering a robust local food economy.
  • Community Kitchen Network: This innovative program extends the commitment to food access and entrepreneurial support through four strategically located hubs across Maricopa County. These kitchens are multifaceted centers designed to:
    • Incubate Small Food Businesses: Offering commercial kitchen space, mentorship, and business development resources, the network empowers aspiring food entrepreneurs—many from historically underserved communities—to grow their ventures. This hands-on support helps navigate the complexities of food regulations, marketing, and scaling operations.
    • Combat Food Insecurity: Each location hosts a community food pantry, providing vital nutritional support to neighborhood residents.
    • Foster Culinary Education: Cooking and gardening classes equip community members with skills for healthy eating and sustainable living, often utilizing produce from local sources or their own community gardens.
    • Divert Food Waste: Through partnerships and creative programming, the kitchens actively rescue food that would otherwise be wasted, transforming it into meals for those in need or composting it for soil enrichment.
    • Collaborate on Community Gardens: Partnerships like the Heart & Soil People’s Garden exemplify the network’s dedication to fostering local food production and community engagement.

The impact of these initiatives is tangible. In 2025 alone, Local First Arizona programming rescued over 2,700 pounds of food that would have otherwise been wasted, mitigating environmental impact and addressing food insecurity. Furthermore, an impressive 75% of the food businesses that went through the Community Kitchen Incubator Program are still operating today, significantly exceeding the national average for startup survival rates and demonstrating the efficacy of LFA’s comprehensive support model.

Rural & Underserved Community Investment: Empowering Local Economies

As the state’s federally designated Rural Development Council, Local First Arizona plays a critical role in strengthening Arizona’s vast and diverse rural and tribal communities. They act as a neutral facilitator, forging crucial partnerships with rural cities, towns, counties, other nonprofits, economic development organizations, tribal nations, and federal agencies to build robust, self-reliant, and sustainable economies.

  • Rural Policy Forum: Now in its 19th year, the Forum is a cornerstone of this effort. It serves as a vital platform uniting rural and tribal economic stakeholders and advocates from across the state. These annual gatherings tackle pressing conversations such as creating more economic opportunity, enhancing disaster readiness, and improving healthy food access. Critically, the Forum also connects tribes, small towns, cities, and nonprofits with essential resources, including grant-writing assistance, to help them secure funding and implement projects vital for their growth and sustainability. This sustained engagement has created a powerful network of collaboration and shared problem-solving, addressing unique challenges faced by non-urban areas.

Sustainability Through Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Cultivating a New Generation of Farmers

Farming in Arizona is an act of courage, given the state’s arid climate, water challenges, and economic pressures. Local First Arizona ensures that this courageous act is not a solo endeavor.

  • Ag Business Boot Camp: This specialized program equips the next generation of Arizona farmers with the essential business fundamentals needed to build sustainable, viable agricultural enterprises. Participants receive step-by-step guidance, peer feedback, and an agricultural lens that makes the often-overwhelming business of farming accessible. Topics covered include financial planning, marketing strategies for local markets, supply chain management, and sustainable farming practices adapted to Arizona’s unique environment.
  • In 2025, through the Ag Business Boot Camp, 28 new farming businesses emerged, injecting fresh vitality into Arizona’s agricultural sector. These new enterprises contribute to local food security, create jobs, and diversify the state’s economy, embodying a localized approach to food production and consumption.

Official Responses and Endorsements

The announcement of Kimber Lanning’s award has been met with widespread acclaim, underscoring the profound respect and admiration she commands within Arizona and beyond.

"Kimber Lanning is a force of nature, a true pioneer who understood the power of ‘local’ long before it became a mainstream concept," commented a representative from Edible Communities. "Her work in Arizona is not just about economics; it’s about building community, fostering equity, and creating a sustainable future from the ground up. She perfectly embodies the spirit of our Sustainability Award, demonstrating how a localized approach can have a monumental impact."

Upon receiving the news, Lanning reflected on the journey: "This award is truly a recognition of the collective effort of the entire Local First Arizona team, our incredible partners, and the countless Arizonans who believe in the power of their local communities. When we started in 2003, it wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely necessary. We saw a future where local businesses weren’t just surviving, but thriving, where every community had access to healthy food, and where entrepreneurial dreams weren’t limited by zip code. We’re far from done, but this honor reaffirms that the path we’re on is making a tangible difference."

Beneficiaries of Local First Arizona’s programs also shared their gratitude. Maria Rodriguez, a graduate of the Community Kitchen Incubator Program and owner of a thriving local salsa business, remarked, "Local First Arizona gave me more than just kitchen space; they gave me the confidence, the knowledge, and the network to turn my passion into a sustainable business. They truly believe in you." Similarly, John Manygoats, a community leader from a rural tribal community, noted, "The Rural Policy Forum has been instrumental in bringing us together, allowing us to share our challenges and find solutions collectively. Local First Arizona provides the framework and the resources we need to build a stronger future for our people."

Implications: A Model for Sustainable Community Development

Kimber Lanning’s receipt of the 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award carries significant implications, not only for Arizona but as a potential blueprint for other regions grappling with similar challenges.

Elevating the ‘Local First’ Movement: This award will undoubtedly amplify Local First Arizona’s mission, drawing national attention to its innovative, place-based economic development model. It serves as a powerful endorsement of the "local first" philosophy, demonstrating that intentional investment in local economies, food systems, and entrepreneurs is a viable and highly effective strategy for creating resilient communities. For a state like Arizona, with its unique geographic and demographic diversity, LFA’s success underscores the importance of tailored solutions that honor local context.

Inspiring Replicable Strategies: Local First Arizona’s comprehensive approach—integrating food access, rural development, and entrepreneurial support—offers a replicable model for other states and regions. The Ag Business Boot Camp, the Community Kitchen Network, and the Rural Policy Forum are all examples of programs that could be adapted and implemented elsewhere, addressing issues like food deserts, small business fragility, and rural economic decline. This award could catalyze greater collaboration and knowledge sharing among community development organizations nationwide.

Redefining Sustainability for the 21st Century: Lanning’s work fundamentally redefines sustainability, moving it beyond purely environmental concerns to encompass social equity and economic vitality. Her vision asserts that true sustainability is a holistic concept, where environmental stewardship, economic justice, and community well-being are inextricably linked. In an era of increasing climate change impacts, economic uncertainty, and social divides, this integrated approach offers a more robust and inclusive path forward.

A Call to Action: The recognition of Kimber Lanning and Local First Arizona serves as a powerful call to action for individuals, businesses, and policymakers alike. It encourages greater support for local economies, investment in community-led initiatives, and a renewed commitment to building equitable and resilient futures. It reminds us that the fight for sustainability is not an abstract ideal, but a daily practice—achieved grant by grant, farm by farm, kitchen by kitchen, and community by community.

From a place of shared mission, deep partnership, and unwavering admiration, Edible Communities is proud to present Kimber Lanning and the entire Local First Arizona team with the 2026 Edible Communities Sustainability Award. Their work continues to prove that thriving local food systems and resilient local economies are not competing pursuits, but the same essential priority, ensuring that every Arizonan’s future is worth fighting for.

To learn more about Local First Arizona and their transformative work, visit localfirstaz.com.

We also wish to recognize the exemplary work of all the finalists for this year’s Edible Communities Sustainability Award. Their dedication to creating sustainable, thriving communities is equally commendable, and we encourage support for all nominees in whatever way possible.