Building Leadership & Sustainable Food Systems in Cochise County, AZ: A Cross-Discipline Approach
Extension Education
Ashley Wright
Livestock Area Associate Agent
The University of Arizona
Vail
Abstract
Cross-discipline collaboration is central to advancing community well-being in rural Arizona. The "Building Leadership & Sustainable Food Systems in Cochise County" project integrates Family and Consumer Health Sciences (FCHS) with Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) to address food system challenges in underrepresented rural communities. Now approaching the completion of its second year in a four-year initiative, this project is designed to bridge gaps between agricultural producers, local distribution channels, and citizens striving to enhance healthy food access.
The project fosters leadership development through the Cochise Leadership Academy, identifying and empowering both established and emerging community leaders. Simultaneously, Healthy Community Committees engage a diverse network of partners—ranging from elected officials to healthcare workers and local farmers—to build collective strategies for healthier, more sustainable communities.
Early efforts have focused on establishing key relationships, including connecting with local farmer networks like the Farmers Organizing and Creating Opportunities (FOCO) group, and fostering collaborations to expand access to locally produced, sustainable food. Initiatives such as Farm Fresh Fridays and partnerships to implement hydration panels demonstrate the project's commitment to innovative, community-centered solutions.
The use of collective impact models, strategic doing frameworks, and deep community engagement practices has been essential to building trust and aligning efforts across disciplines. Despite challenges like producer preferences for bulk sales and barriers to affordable local produce, the project is laying the groundwork for lasting community impact.
As the project moves into its next phase, ongoing cross-disciplinary engagement and adaptive strategies will be critical to fostering sustainable food systems and promoting health equity across Cochise County.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Ashley Wright
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Wright, A. Livestock Area Associate Agent, University of Arizona , Arizona, 85641