Local First Arizona has expanded its network of community kitchens in Mesa, Phoenix, and Glendale, with two more locations under construction. These kitchens serve as centers for food pantry services, nutrition education for all ages, and on-site community gardening. The initiative aims to make healthy food and cooking skills more accessible in areas where food insecurity is a concern, focusing particularly on children developing early eating habits.
Lisa Castrichini, Manager of Healthy Food Initiatives at Local First Arizona, said: “The funding has changed our food access program. On a good day, we would get 5 dozen eggs. Now, we are able to make sure every household gets eggs, milk, and lean protein.”
A $25,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (AZ Blue Health Choice) in 2025 allowed Local First Arizona to expand its Mesa kitchen model to other sites. With this support, the organization purchased evidence-based nutrition curriculum for both children and adults and trained instructors in trauma-informed nutrition practices. The program also launched bi-monthly cooking and nutrition classes for kids and added new cooking supplies for hands-on learning.
Each month, the program distributed 500 pounds of nutrient-dense foods from local farmers—including milk, eggs, and meat—to families in need. Between October and December 2025 alone, an average of 160 individuals representing 40 households participated per class session; each class included about 10 children.
After completing the new curriculum, children reported increased vegetable consumption and reduced soda intake. The Harvest of the Month recipe series was well received by residents and led to greater participation in cooking classes. Families noted that pantry staples helped them “stretch our dollars,” which they found especially important when managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
In December 2025, a new Glendale pantry opened its doors and served over 200 individuals. The program also introduced culturally meaningful ingredients like blue cornmeal sourced from a Navajo-owned company to accompany Harvest of the Month recipes.
Castrichini emphasized that when families can access healthy food while learning practical skills in a supportive environment it helps encourage lasting healthier choices: “That’s what making healthy eating easy and inspiring can look like — meeting Arizonans where they are with real support.”
For more information about Local First’s food initiatives visit Devour Good Food or see where else AZ Blue is making an impact.
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce promotes business growth through advocacy efforts designed to enhance community prosperity by supporting diverse industries across the region. It provides resources such as networking opportunities and professional development for members while engaging in collaborative efforts like the East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance for advocacy at city, county, and state levels according to their official website.
