Flagstaff Family Food Center: Fighting Hunger & Building Community
For over 30 years, the Flagstaff Family Food Center has been a pillar of hope for individuals and families in Flagstaff and northeastern Arizona. Committed to addressing hunger and food insecurity, the center provides hot meals, sack lunches, food boxes, and vital partnerships with schools and other nonprofits that meet immediate needs while working to eliminate barriers to long-term stability. Since 2001, the center has been awarded more than $1.8 million by ACF and its generous donors.
The nonprofit also has a fund at the Arizona Community Foundation, which will help ensure stability for future projects and needs.
Meeting the Growing Need
“Two years ago, we served 234,000 meals from our kitchen,” said Ethan Amos, President and CEO of Flagstaff Family Food Center. “The increase in need for food never stops.” In 2024, the organization served 484,000 meals—a sobering milestone that underscores the urgency of its mission.
With rising rent and grocery prices, more families are struggling to put food on the table. The Flagstaff Family Food Center is stepping up to meet this challenge.
Summer Grandy, Client Advocacy Manager, highlights the growing need, particularly among vulnerable populations. “We see children and seniors most often, but we’re also seeing more working-class families,” said Grandy. “The reasons vary by community, and we work hard to meet those diverse needs.”
Beyond serving meals, the center partners with other nonprofits, such as Flagstaff Shelter Services, to expand its reach and provide critical support to those in need.
Reducing Waste, Increasing Impact
Arizona generates significant food waste, from farming byproducts to unsold grocery and restaurant items, said Grandy. Flagstaff Family Food Center rescued 843,223 pounds of food last year, diverting it from landfills. Approximately 40% of the food used by the center each year comes from these efforts. Food that cannot be used for meals is donated to local farms for animal feed or composting programs, promoting sustainability.
“Our goal is to create a fully circular system,” Grandy explained. “If we can’t use it for meals, we put it back into the system.”
Expanding for the Future
To meet the growing demand, Flagstaff Family Food Center is currently fundraising for their expansion project. Updates to the kitchen, scheduled for early 2025, will increase efficiency and output by 50%. These changes will also bring the facility in line with new commercial kitchen regulations.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the center is expanding its partnerships to increase efficiency and broaden its impact across the region.
Community Support Makes It Possible
Through the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, generous donors play a critical role in sustaining the center's operations. With grants and donations, it costs just $1 to provide five meals.
“All our funding stays local,” said Grandy. “We serve people from across northern Arizona—including those from hours away. Flagstaff is not only a climate refuge but also a regional hub for groceries, medicine, and banking. Our impact extends far beyond city limits.”
Join the Mission
Flagstaff Family Food Center is one of many local organizations that stand as a lifeline for thousands of families. With rising needs throughout Arizona, community support has never been more critical. Contact Arizona Community Foundation to learn how your gift can impact the lives of Arizonans for generations to come.