What is "Purchase Local AZ"?
Purchase Local Arizona (PLAZ) is a local food purchasing program administered by Pinnacle Prevention and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.  The program is funded by USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). The Goals of PLAZ are:​​
  1. to support Arizona farmers, ranchers, and food producers; prioritizing those from socially disadvantaged groups; and
  2. to distribute fresh nutritious foods to underserved communities across Arizona.
Through 2025, Purchase Local Arizona will strengthen local and regional food systems by working collaboratively with food producers, aggregators, distributors, food security organizations, food banks & pantries, and tribal partners and help underserved communities in Arizona get nutritious, seasonal, Arizona grown food.
PictureClick this cover to view the full report.

See For Yourself!
​11/19/2024: Check out our progress and accomplishments during the first year-and-a-half of LFPA funding in Arizona. Learn how Pinnacle Prevention and the Arizona Food Bank Network have deployed the Friends of the Farm and Purchase Local AZ programs to connect Arizona farmers, ranchers and food producers with food assistance programs across the state!
PLAZ has two application widows per year. Our intention is to offer multiple opportunities for farmers and food producers to access this program in a way that supports their operations throughout the year. 
The applications periods are generally March and October. See below for more details on the current application period. 

​The Spring 2025 application period:
​Is Now Open!

​​After much delay and uncertainty, we are thrilled to announce our spring 2025 application period is now open!
We invite proposals now through April 12th 2025 for consideration in this new round of Purchase Local AZ project funding.
  • Our proposal template and application form are both on our website now [below].
  • Download a copy of the template to get started.
    • A completed proposal form is required before started the online application. 
  • Applications are due by 11:59pm on April 12th 2025.
  • Maximum project amount is $30,000.
  • Selected projects must be completed by February 1st 2026.
  • Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more details.
Due to the recent delays we have made some key changes to this application period in order to make up for lost time. For the first time the proposal template and the application form are being released simultaneously. Typically we have been able to allow prospective applicants 2-3 weeks of lead time to contact and coordinate with community partners and our program staff as needed.

We recognize that some farmers' growing seasons and harvests may be further along than ideal for pursuing this opportunity. To assist you in your project design, please consider including in your proposal crops and products that will be market ready between May of 2025 and January of 2026.

Additionally, please share this announcement with farmers and food producers in your circles who you think may be interested in submitting a project proposal. This farmer-to-farmer networking and sharing has been a huge help to this new program and will help us leverage these remaining funds as effectively and equitably as possible across Arizona's vast network of incredible farmers and food producers.
STEP 1: Read the Frequently Asked Questions document to learn about the program and the application process. 
STEP 2: Download and complete the Proposed Budget and Partnership template. Usually available 2 weeks before the application is open. 
STEP 3: Fill out the PLAZ Application. 
Did you miss our annual
​"LFPA in AZ" webinar last year?
Review the slides below!

​Share your "Purchase Local AZ" Story!

 We want to hear from you- the farmers, individuals, and organizations participating in Purchase Local Arizona. Help us spread awareness of this program and how it is making a positive impact in our communities.  
If you have a story or know of someone who does, please complete this submission form or share with a partner you work with on LFPA. While the story you share can take many different forms, we hope to capture any pictures, videos, captions, or standalone narratives about your experiences with Purchase Local AZ.  
For questions about the application process
contact Parker Filer at:
[email protected]

​or schedule a time to connect (by phone or Zoom) using the button below.