Many of the activities of the organizations SPC works with have focused on low-income and nutritionally at-risk communities, particularly those families or individuals that are SNAP beneficiaries. More specifically, we work to target the young (school age children) and the old (seniors). The partners highlighted below have worked extensively with each of these groups but we all have the sense that our impact on these communities has been far from optimal. We believe that a highly focused collaboration will deliver results much greater than the sum of our individual efforts.
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension
AZ HealthZone – MCCE is part of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County. We provide education and resources, consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate, to persons eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other programs. Our Mission is to positively influence lifestyle behaviors of Maricopa County youth, families, and adults through curriculum based education on nutrition, physical activity and gardening.
Pinnacle Prevention
Pinnacle Prevention is an Arizona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to growing healthy families and communities. Our mission is to inspire and advance a healthy food system and opportunities for active living. Our team of registered dietitians, researchers and social scientists believe all families should have access to healthy food and opportunities to develop healthy relationships with foods. We think all individuals should have access to healthy and safe communities to enjoy physical activity, and we work to make these visions a reality across Arizona.
Double Up Arizona
Community Supported Agriculture is a direct connection between a local farmer and their customers. By joining a CSA, you commit to supporting a local farmer for a season. In return, you receive a weekly bag or box of fresh, seasonal produce— and share in the risks and the benefits of farming. When you use SNAP to pay, you’ll get a 50% discount.
Unlimited Potential
Since 1985, the mission of Unlimited Potential has been to strengthen individuals and families in south Phoenix through literacy, education and self-empowerment. Our participants are low income underserved population, predominantly Latino families who are struggling to master the English language. We offer English literacy and GED classes to adults and early childhood workshops to preschool children to prepare them for kindergarten and future academic success. We have a unique, and proven, dual language approach to literacy that encourages participants to speak, read and write their native language as well as English. We also encourage parents to read to their children in both languages. In addition to our English classes, we offer workshops on parenting (Abriendo Puertas), reading to children (Motheread/Fatheread), and nutrition (Healthy Roots).
Vitalyst Health Foundation
To connect, support, and inform efforts to improve the health of individuals and communities in Arizona.
Established following the sale of the St. Luke’s Health System to a for-profit corporation in 1996, the foundation operated as St. Luke’s Charitable Health Trust (1996–1999) and St. Luke’s Health Initiatives (2000–2016).
Over its history, Vitalyst has invested nearly $125 million into Arizona health, in areas ranging from statewide health policy to local community gardens. Along the way, the organization has established itself as a thought leader, convener, framer, and catalyst of key health initiatives and coalitions.
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