CTR079062_Contractor_Response.pdf

Yuma County Public Health Services District

BPM007053

Arizona Farm to School Assistance and Services

Revision Requests

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATTACHMENT 1, GRANT APPLICATION

ATTACHMENT 2, APPLICANT INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT 3, NARRATIVE RESPONSE TO THE SCOPE OF WORK

ATTACHMENT 4, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY

ATTACHMENT 5, PROPOSED COSTS AND BUDGET

ATTACHMENT 6, DEVIATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

ATTACHMENT 7, CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY SUBMITTALS

ATTCHMENT 8, DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL, TRADE SECRET AND PROPRIETARY

INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT 9, PARTICIPATION IN BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

ATTACHMENT 10, FORCED LABOR OF ETHNIC UYGHURS BAN

RESUMES AND LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Amendment 2 08/22/25

08/08/25

ATTACHMENT 2

APPLICANT INFORMATION

RFGA NO.: BPM007053

1.1. Notices, Correspondence, Reports from the ADE to the Grantee shall be sent to:

Organization: _________________________________________________________

Attention: ____________________________________________________________

Street Address:________________________________________________________

City, State and Zip Code: ________________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________________________________________________

E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________

1.2. Payments from ADE to the Grantee shall be sent to:

Organization: __________________________________________________________

Attention: _____________________________________________________________

Street Address:_________________________________________________________

City, State and Zip Code: _________________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________________________________________________

E-Mail: _______________________________________________________________

Yuma, AZ 85364

José Trigueros

2200 W. 28th Street

(928) 317-4550

Jose.Trigueros@yumacountyaz.gov

Yuma County Public Health Services District

2200 W. 28th Street

Diana Gomez, Jose Trigueros, Annette Perez

Yuma, AZ 85364

(928) 317-4550

Diana.Gomez@yumacountyaz.gov; Jose.Trigueros@yumacountyaz.gov; Annette.Perez@yumacountyaz.gov

Arizona Farm to School Assistance and Services

Revision Requests

ATTACHMENT 3, NARRATIVE RESPONSE TO THE SCOPE OF WORK

1. Service/Assistance Program Plan

The proposed Grow the Arizona Southwest: A Regional Farm to school and Farm to ECE Plan will strengthen

Yuma Counties Farm to School efforts by a. increasing local food purchasing, b. expanding nutrition and agriculture education, and c. enhancing integration across early care and K–12 systems. Our goal is to expand current programming and procurement efforts to reach multiple regions of the county that have historically been underserved. By identifying and addressing geographic and resource-based gaps, we aim to ensure equitable access to Farm to School initiatives across all communities. This includes tailoring outreach, support, and implementation strategies to meet the unique needs of each region whether rural, urban, or tribal, while building the local capacity necessary to sustain long-term engagement in the program. Through this expansion, we are committed to fostering inclusive participation and maximizing the impact of healthy, local food systems across multiple regions.

Additionally, we will use targeted support that will center the unique needs of each site. We, recognize that early care and education programs and schools operate in diverse contexts with varying levels of capacity, resources, and community engagement. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we will tailor our technical assistance, training, and resources to align with the goals, challenges, and opportunities specific to each program.

By engaging directly with site leaders, educators, and food service staff, we will assess their current practices, identify areas for growth, and co-develop actionable strategies that reflect their priorities—whether that means enhancing local food procurement, integrating garden-based learning, or deepening nutrition education. This individualized approach ensures that support is both relevant and sustainable, empowering each site to move forward at a pace that works for them while remaining aligned with broader Farm to School and Farm to ECE goals.

Ultimately, this responsive model strengthens local leadership and ensures that each site’s efforts are rooted in their unique community strengths and needs and builds in sustainability. By embedding sustainability into every phase of the work, we help ensure that these community-driven efforts endure and continue to deliver impact well beyond the life of any single initiative.

a. Local Purchasing Capacity

We will enhance and deepen existing partnerships among schools, local farmers, and statewide collaborators to increase local purchasing capacity, building on the momentum and lessons learned from past successes. Building on previous knowledge and recognizing that procurement regulations present challenges that must be navigated carefully, we will provide targeted support to Child Nutrition Program

(CNP) operators, including guidance on identifying local producers who meet CNP requirements and building relationships to ensure long term sustainability.

Additionally, we will work with K-12 school nutrition teams to highlight and integrate seasonal, local products into their menus. This will also include professional development for ECE sites on scratch cooking techniques, and menu planning strategies that accommodate local product availability.

Through training, resources, and relationship-building we aim to make local procurement not only feasible but practical and sustainable for farmers, schools and ECE programs across this region.

We will utilize existing resources and develop a comprehensive ECE Local Procurement Toolkit. This resource will include Arizona-specific sourcing guides, producer directories, seasonal availability charts, and customizable templates aligned with state regulations and local agricultural conditions.

In addition, we will continue collaborating with stakeholders in Mohave and La Paz counties to strengthen the Route 95 distribution network, enabling greater access to fresh, locally grown foods from Yuma County farmers for schools throughout the region.

When funded in Year Two, we will expand the toolkit to better support operators of K-12 Child Nutrition Programs and integrate existing resources and best practices.

b. Nutrition & Agriculture Education:

We will implement hands-on, agricultural and garden-based learning programs in at least three Yuma

County school districts and a minimum of five early childhood education (ECE) centers expanding our program reach to outlying areas of the region not previously served. These programs will utilize evidence-based curricula to teach students about the origins of food, planting, harvesting, nutrition, and cooking through engaging, interactive activities. Additional components will include local Harvest of the Month, Meet the Farmer promotions and culturally relevant nutrition education that highlights Arizona-grown foods and aligns with Arizona state academic standards. For sites that are ready, we will offer targeted support to launch or scale garden programs, ensuring they have the resources, training, and technical assistance needed for long-term success. By partnering with Master Gardeners to provide TA and educational programing we can expand our reach and strengthen community connections.

To support Early Childhood Education (ECE) sites in implementing and sustaining these garden and nutrition initiatives, we will leverage the GO NAPSACC platform to provide targeted technical assistance

(TA). Through GO NAPSACC, ECE providers will gain access to evidence-based tools, self-assessment resources, and tailored action plans that promote best practices in nutrition, physical activity, and garden-based learning. Additionally, we will guide sites to relevant educational materials and community resources to enhance their capacity for effective program delivery and continuous improvement. To further strengthen these efforts we will convene and support a series of learning collaboratives including one specific to Farm to ECE. These collaboratives will bring together practitioners across multiple regions to share best practices, trouble shoot challenges, and co-create strategies for more effective integration of local food gardening and nutrition education.

To ensure long-term sustainability and amplify our impact, we will implement “train-the-trainer” programs for educators and early childhood education (ECE) staff. These trainings will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver high-quality garden-based and nutrition education.

The program will include practical strategies for curriculum integration, as well as hands-on workshops in gardening, nutrition, and cooking demonstrations. ECE kitchen staff will also be actively engaged to promote the use of locally sourced and school-grown produce, while enhancing their capacity to incorporate fresh ingredients into daily meals. In addition, we will host a School Garden Summit to foster collaboration, strengthen professional learning communities, and build meaningful connections among educators throughout Arizona and across the multiple regions of Yuma County.

Additionally, we plan to develop comprehensive educational content by creating engaging videos and dynamic social media materials that showcase the stories and practices of local farmers, highlight successful school garden program models, and provide practical tips and tools for implementation and ongoing maintenance. These resources will serve as accessible, user-friendly tools designed to inspire and support educators, students, and community members in adopting and sustaining garden initiatives.

By leveraging digital platforms, we aim to expand our reach beyond urban centers and into outlying and rural communities that may face greater barriers to direct engagement. This approach will help bridge geographic and resource gaps by connecting diverse audiences with valuable knowledge, fostering a broader network of learners and collaborators.

Statewide Integration:

We will coordinate with Arizona Farm to School Network, ADE and ADHS partners to ensure our efforts align seamlessly with statewide priorities, policies, and initiatives. By collaborating closely, we will share resources, tools, and best practices, strengthening the collective impact of farm-to-school and farm-to-

ECE programs across Arizona. Our participation in regional collaboratives and Communities of Practice focused on procurement, and education will allow us to contribute to system-wide improvements and policy development that benefit schools, early childhood programs, and local producers alike.

Building on our ongoing partnerships with statewide organizations such as the Chicanos Por La Causa

(CPLC) and the Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG), we will expand our reach by hosting comprehensive Farm to Early Childhood Education (ECE) training sessions and statewide learning collaboratives. These sessions will provide educators, administrators, and food service staff with the knowledge and skills to integrate local food systems into their programs effectively, reinforcing consistency and quality across diverse regions.

Through these statewide training initiatives, we will create a framework that supports cross-sector collaboration, fosters continuous professional development, and encourages innovative practices. This coordinated approach will not only enhance access to fresh, local produce but also promote sustainability and equity in nutrition education and procurement practices throughout Arizona’s early childhood and school communities. By embedding our work within these larger statewide systems, we aim to create a cohesive, scalable model that amplifies impact and ensures long-term success.

Additionally, we will coordinate targeted efforts to expand procurement opportunities in La Paz and

Mohave counties, regions that have historically been underserved in access to local produce within school and early childhood programs. By working collaboratively with local growers, food distributors, and community partners, we will identify and address barriers to procurement, facilitate connections between producers and institutions, and support infrastructure development needed to increase local purchasing.

This expansion will not only enhance fresh food access for children in these counties but also stimulate local agricultural economies, further advancing the statewide commitment to building resilient, community-driven food systems.

Existing Infrastructure:

Yuma County Public Health Services District (YCPHSD) brings decades of proven experience in implementing Farm to School initiatives across K–12 schools and early childhood education (ECE) centers. This longstanding work has cultivated, cross-sector partnerships with local farmers, school administrators and staff, public health professionals, early educators, and other agricultural stakeholders, creating a strong foundation for program expansion and sustainability.

Currently, YCPHSD supports multiple school and ECE garden sites that are integrated into Local

Wellness policies, classroom curricula and nutrition education programs, reinforcing the connection between students and the food they eat. YCPHSD has developed strong relationships with regional growers, and for the past few years have been laying the groundwork for a local food procurement system.

This past spring YCPHSD staff played a pivotal role in coordinating the first successful delivery of locally grown foods into a Yuma County school setting by navigating complex systems and facilitating conversations between school nutrition staff and local producers. This accomplishment required strong relationship-building skills, and hands-on support to overcome communication, logistical and administrative barriers. It showcases the YCPHSD effectiveness in advancing local procurement goals, strengthening farm to school systems, and translating planning into tangible results.

Building on this success, YCPHSD is actively working to develop and expand local purchasing capacity across the region. By leveraging its existing networks and understanding of Arizona’s seasonal and crop-specific agricultural cycles, YCPHSD is positioned to facilitate sustainable procurement of local foods.

These efforts not only support school and ECE nutrition programs but also contribute to broader food system resilience and economic development for local producers.

To ensure successful implementation of the proposed Grow Southwest: A Regional Farm to school and

Farm to ECE Plan, the following key components are already in place:

Established Infrastructure:

Existing garden sites that serve as models for developing new garden programs and food-safe handling practices provide a practical launch point for immediate expansion.

Strong Cross-sector Partnerships

YCPHSD has cultivated deep, collaborative relationships across key sectors including agriculture, school food authorities, early care and education (ECE) providers, and public health agencies, ensuring that all

Farm to School efforts are aligned with community needs, regulatory requirements, and educational goals.

This includes ongoing work with the Yuma HEAL Coalition (comprised of multi-sector partners) and the development of a comprehensive Food Action Plan that incorporates Farm to School initiatives. These partnerships enable seamless coordination and resource-sharing that support program success at every level.

In addition to local collaborations, YCPHSD maintains strong connections with statewide organizations, including the Arizona Farm to School Network, Arizona Food Systems Network, the Arizona

Department of Health Services (ADHS), and extension programs such as the University of Arizona

Master Gardeners. These alliances enhance technical support, expand training capacity, and provide access to a statewide knowledge base, helping ensure that initiatives are both evidence-based and sustainable.

Together, this network of partners positions YCPHSD to lead integrated, community-driven Farm to

School strategies that benefit multiple systems—education, agriculture, health, and local economies.

Community Engagement: YCPHSD has earned the trust of diverse communities across the region through years of delivering inclusive, culturally competent, and community-centered programming. By prioritizing equity and representation in its outreach strategies, YCPHSD ensures that programs reflect the values, traditions, and needs of the families they serve.

This strong foundation of trust makes it easier to engage parents, caregivers, local leaders, and community-based organizations in Farm to School efforts. Whether through workshops, school garden events, culturally relevant nutrition education, or community forums, YCPHSD creates multiple access points for meaningful participation.

These engagement strategies not only support program success, but also foster community ownership, empower families to make healthy choices, and amplify local voices in shaping food systems that serve all children equitably.

To further strengthen this initiative and broaden its impact across multiple entities and communities, the following components will be prioritized:

Peer Learning Opportunities: Host a School Garden Summit designed to promote collaboration, strengthen communities of practice, and foster meaningful connections among educators both in Yuma

County and throughout Arizona. This event will serve as a platform for sharing best practices, showcasing local success stories, and building statewide momentum for school garden and Farm to School initiatives.

Scalable Procurement Systems: Build on existing successes to expand local food purchasing to additional Yuma County schools.

ECE-Specific Resources: Development and dissemination of tailored toolkits and training materials to guide ECE centers and Child Nutrition Program operators in adopting local procurement practices.

Sustainable Funding, Evaluation and Policy Support: Identification of long-term funding opportunities, evaluation tools and advocacy for local policies that institutionalize Farm to School practices within countywide food systems planning.

With this solid foundation and a clear roadmap for growth, Yuma County is uniquely positioned to scale its Farm to School efforts in a way that benefits multiple communities, promotes equitable access to fresh foods, supports local agriculture, and reinforces lifelong healthy eating habits among children and families in underserved communities.

2. Expected reach and timeline

Year 1 (Fall 2025 – Summer 2026):

The first year will focus on laying a strong foundation for long-term impact by strengthening local partnerships, engaging new partners, and launching core programming.

Quarter 1 (Fall 2025 – Oct–Dec):

• Planning & Partnership Development:

o Identify and coordinate with Partners to host School Garden Summit o Engage at least 2 school Districts and 2 early care programs to identify sites to expand programing.

o Begin initial coordination between local growers and participating sites to explore purchasing, classroom visits, or farm field trips.

o Set summit date, secure venue, and identify workshop facilitators and presenters.

• Farm to ECE learning collaborative:

o Plan and prepare for LC, develop promotional materials, recruit sites

Attend October All-Grantee Kick of meeting

Quarter 2 (Winter 2025–26 – Jan–Mar):

• Begin Site Assessments:

o Conduct garden assessments to identify infrastructure needs and integration opportunities.

• Curriculum Launch:

o Launch monthly agriculture and nutrition education sessions, using evidence-based, age-appropriate materials aligned with Arizona standards.

o Conduct garden assessments to identify infrastructure needs and integration opportunities.

o Conduct seasonal taste tests or local food promotions, showcasing locally sourced produce tied to classroom education.

o Continue to plan and identify workshop facilitators and presenters o Identify partners for digital content development

• Farm to ECE learning collaborative:

o Co-Host LC, provide TA and nutrition education to sites.

Quarter 3 (Spring 2026 – Apr–Jun):

o Continuation of Core Programming:

▪ Conduct additional seasonal taste tests or local food promotions, showcasing locally sourced produce tied to classroom education.

▪ Continue monthly ag/nutrition lessons and integrate garden-based activities.

▪ Development of Social media content o School Garden Summit:

▪ Host a statewide School Garden Summit in Yuma County to build a network of educators, garden coordinators, and food system stakeholders.

▪ Include workshops on garden-based learning, integrating agriculture into curriculum, local procurement, and garden sustainability strategies.

▪ Encourage knowledge-sharing across rural and urban communities.

Quarter 4 (Summer 2026 – July–Sep):

• Program Reflection and Expansion Planning:

o Conduct evaluations and collect feedback from educators, students, families, and growers.

o Host a reflection session with site leaders to document successes, challenges, and stories.

o If Funded, begin planning for Year 2 program expansion, including toolkit refinement and support for Child Nutrition Program operators.

Revision question 1. On page 9, Year 2 is included in the timeline. The RFGA is for a 12-month period.

What are the implications for your proposal beyond the one year grant period?

Year 2 was an unintended inclusion in the proposed timeline. The response stemmed from the post-award Terms and Conditions. Our agency has corrected the oversight.

Year 2 (Fall 2026 – Summer 2027):

With continued funding, we aim to scale this impact by expanding our reach across neighboring districts, rural and underserved communities, and additional schools in our region. Specifically, we plan to:

• Increase student participation by expanding farm to school programming into additional schools and grade levels.

• Increase educator and food service training to include new participants, focusing on culturally relevant nutrition, curriculum integration, and food service practices.

• Continue to build regional supply chain connections with local farmers and producers to support local food procurement.

• Enhance community engagement through farm visits, family education nights such as CHEF in the

Garden, and school garden programs, promoting long-term community ownership and sustainability.

• Establish regional peer-learning cohorts for educators and food service professionals to share resources and strategies, fostering cross-district collaboration.

• Continue to develop Digital Media Content

Total expected reach in the first year:

• Over 1,000 students positively impacted through access to quality education and/or nutritious school meals, spanning multiple schools and districts across diverse regions.

• At least 50 educators and food service staff trained in best practices for teaching, nutrition, and student wellness, contributing to capacity building across urban, rural, and underserved communities.

• Strong collaboration with multiple community partners, including local farmers, volunteers, and families, fostering a network of support that strengthens regional food systems and educational ecosystems.

This initiative demonstrates scalable impact, with proven benefits reaching across geographic and socio-economic boundaries, ensuring a broader, more inclusive reach.

3. Expected Impact

• Increased student knowledge of local foods, agriculture, and healthy eating:

Through hands-on learning experience, such as garden-based education, seasonal taste tests, and classroom lessons on agriculture and nutrition students will develop a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating. These activities foster lifelong habits, increase openness to trying new fruits and vegetables, and support academic engagement by linking nutrition to science, math, and environmental literacy.

• Strengthened purchasing pathways between local producers and school food services

By building relationships between schools and local growers, and providing tools to navigate regulations, this initiative will help establish reliable, scalable purchasing systems. These pathways will create new markets for local producers, increase the availability of fresh, Arizona-grown food in school meals, and build resilience in the regional food system. The development of a localized procurement toolkit and coordination with distribution networks like the Route 95 project will further expand these efforts.

• Elevated school and ECE capacity to sustain Farm to School practices

Participating schools and early care centers will receive ongoing technical assistance, professional development, and practical resources to integrate Farm to School into their daily operations. From curriculum integration to garden maintenance and local sourcing, this project will equip educators and food service staff with the knowledge and tools to carry forward these practices independently, building long-term program sustainability.

• Greater visibility and alignment of regional efforts with Arizona’s broader Farm to School goals

By hosting a School Garden Summit, collaborating with statewide partners like the Arizona Farm to

School Network and ADHS, and sharing best practices from Yuma County, this initiative will contribute to a stronger, more coordinated statewide Farm to School movement. The program will serve as a regional model, helping to align local efforts with Arizona’s strategic goals around food system equity, child nutrition, and agricultural education.

With this funding we will be able to sustain and expand the vital work initiated through the YCPHSD

SNAP-Ed program in our community, ensuring that momentum is not lost following the conclusion of

SNAP-Ed funding. By bridging this funding gap, we can ensure that the gains made through SNAP-Ed, particularly in underserved and high-needs communities, are not only preserved but are allowed to continue to grow into a sustainable, regionally connected model.

4. Evaluation Tools and Methods

We will implement a mixed-method evaluation approach to comprehensively assess the effectiveness, reach, and impact of our Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) initiatives. This approach will combine quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to capture both measurable outcomes and in-depth insights from program participants and stakeholders.

Our evaluation will include:

• Pre- and post-surveys for students, educators, and food service staff to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to nutrition, local food systems, gardening, and cooking. These surveys will help measure the impact of both educational and operational components of the program.

• Utilization of existing adaptive evaluation tools, such as those from GO NAPSACC and the

University of Arizona School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness (SNSW) DIG tool, to assess sites, identify implementation barriers, measure site-level progress, and inform ongoing strategy adjustments. These tools allow for flexible yet structured data collection that can be tailored to the unique context of each participating site.

• Tasting participation and feedback forms to collect student input on local food tastings, allowing us to gauge preferences, engagement levels, and opportunities for expanding local menu offerings in a child-friendly and inclusive way.

• Local procurement tracking to monitor the volume and variety of local products purchased and used in meal programs. This will help us assess progress toward procurement goals, identify trends in seasonal availability, and strengthen relationships with local producers.

• Qualitative interviews and focus groups with school staff, food service professionals, educators, and community partners to gain deeper insight into the implementation experience, site-specific successes and challenges, and community perceptions of the program’s value.

All collected data will be reviewed quarterly by the program team and relevant stakeholders to guide decision-making and ensure continuous improvement. Key findings will inform targeted technical assistance, refine training content, and support program adaptation to better meet the needs of each site and community. This ongoing cycle of evaluation and adjustment will help us build a responsive, effective, and scalable model that advances our vision for nourished children, thriving schools, and resilient local food systems.

5. Sharing Results Statewide

To ensure that the knowledge, resources, and successes from this project benefit the broader Arizona community, YCPHSD will actively share project outcomes, tools, and lessons learned with Farm to School and Early Care and Education (ECE) stakeholders across the state. Our goal is to contribute to a collective body of knowledge, strengthen statewide capacity, and encourage replication of effective practices in other regions. Key dissemination strategies include:

• Presentations at State and Regional gatherings

YCPHSD staff will present findings, success stories, and implementation strategies at key professional gatherings, and relevant regional or national gatherings. These presentations will highlight real-world examples from Yuma County, offering replicable models and actionable insights for other communities.

• Contributions to the Arizona Farm to School Network

Project updates, and spotlights on participating schools and growers, will be shared to the Arizona Farm to School Network’s and other applicable communication platforms. These contributions will help elevate local voices and share scalable practices with hundreds of educators, food service professionals, health advocates, and agriculture partners throughout the state.

• Public-Facing “Grow Local” Toolkit

YCPHSD will produce a “Grow Local” Toolkit, featuring resources developed through the project, including local procurement guides, seasonal crop calendars, grower directories, ECE and K-12 integration templates, and success case studies. The toolkit will be tailored for this regions specific growing conditions and will be shared digitally with statewide partners.

• Collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education and Statewide Partners

YCPHSD will work closely with the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona Department of

Health Services, and statewide networks like the Arizona Farm to School Network to align the project’s tools and outcomes with broader state goals. This collaboration will include exploring opportunities for policy alignment, integrating resources into state training platforms, and supporting the adoption of proven strategies in other counties, particularly rural and underserved areas.

• Development of educational content by creating engaging videos and dynamic social media materials that showcase local farmers, highlight successful school garden program models, and provide practical tips and tools for implementation and maintenance.

By investing in infrastructure, education, and collaboration, this initiative will serve as a model for sustainable, community-rooted Farm to School programs in Arizona’s rural and border regions.

ATTACHMENT 4, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITY

6. Experience in Designing and Delivering Evidence-Based Programming

The Yuma County Public Health Services District team has extensive experience in designing and implementing evidence-based nutrition education and community led wellness programs. Their work is grounded in community engagement and incorporates trauma-informed policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change approaches— foundational strategies that support the effective integration of sustainable Farm to School initiatives in both school and early childhood settings.

Over the past decade, we have successfully delivered a wide range of trainings, implemented evidence based curricula’s and programs including but not limited to:

Trainings

• Garden Basics to Deep dives in school gardens problems (pest, nutrient deficiency etc..)

• Composting and soil management

• Curriculum integration

• School garden food safety

• Feeding students from the school garden

• Curriculum train the trainer-peer models

• School garden certification

Evidence-based curricula

• Botany on Your Plate

• Junior Master Gardener Program

• Grow It, Try It, Like It!

• Seed to Supper

Interventions/Programs

• Smarter Lunchrooms Movement

• Learning Collaboratives

These programs are adapted to meet the unique needs of underserved, rural, and culturally diverse populations in Yuma County. We prioritize cultural and linguistic relevance, ensuring materials are accessible in both

English and Spanish and are sensitive to local food customs, especially among Hispanic, Indigenous, and migrant families.

Our team has taken a leadership role in the design, implementation, and long-term sustainability of school gardens across Yuma County. We have successfully established and or supported gardens in over 14 schools, and facilitated the certification of 3 gardens under the ADHS school garden certification standards. These gardens are not only vibrant outdoor learning environments but also serve as key tools to integrate nutrition education and promote physical activity among students.

To ensure sustainability and staff capacity, we provide comprehensive training and technical assistance to school personnel. These trainings focus on practical gardening skills, integrating garden-based learning into existing curricula, and fostering a school-wide culture encouraging strong connections between students, the community, and local food systems.

In early childhood education (ECE) settings, our work includes training educators across the state on evidence-based garden and nutrition curricula. We utilize tools such as the GO NAPSACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity

Self-Assessment for Child Care) framework and its Cycle of Change model to drive continuous quality improvement in ECE garden programs. Additionally, we have hosted learning collaboratives that bring together practitioners to share best practices, problem-solve, and scale effective strategies.

Our approach emphasizes participatory teaching methods that actively engage both children and educators, along with family-centered outreach to increase parental involvement, support behavior change at home, and improve long-term outcomes. These strategies have contributed to increased engagement, improved nutrition knowledge, and strengthened community connections around healthy eating and physical activity.

Our proven ability to partner with schools and agencies to tailor programs to meet the needs of each site, and deliver high-quality programming ensures that our proposed services are not only evidence-based but effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

7. Experience and Strategies in Serving Target Populations – Farm to School Alignment

The YCPHSD team brings deep experience and tested strategies in effectively serving SNAP-eligible individuals and underserved populations across Yuma County, an asset that translates seamlessly to Farm to School initiatives.

Collectively, our core implementation team offers over 30 years of experience delivering nutrition education and health promotion programs tailored to the unique needs of low-income, racially and ethnically diverse communities in Yuma County. As long-time residents ourselves, we have established strong trust and relationships with community members and institutions—including public schools, early childcare centers, tribal entities, and nonprofit agencies—making our engagement both personal and impactful.

Our approach centers on:

• Culturally and linguistically relevant programming that honors community traditions and foodways

• Collaborative site based planning with school staff to ensure successful Farm to School integration

• Hands-on garden and nutrition education in classroom and community garden settings to meet the needs of all learners

• Coordinated outreach with partners to reduce barriers and extend our reach

These strategies not only strengthen school-based efforts but also promote community-wide engagement in healthier food systems. Our team has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, equity-focused programs that empower families, improve food access, and support long-term health outcomes. This foundation ensures our

Farm to School work is both rooted in community need and designed for sustainable success.

8. Qualifications, Experience of each of the key personnel

Our proposed staff for this initiative includes a Program Coordinator, Community Engagement Specialist, and

Health Educator, all trained in trauma informed, culturally responsive approaches, policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change models, and program implementation with fidelity.

The Program Coordinator is a certified Master Gardener and a highly respected member of the Yuma County

Public Health Services District (YCPHSD), bringing over 25 years of experience in advancing community health initiatives. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to nutrition education, food systems work, and youth engagement, especially through garden-based learning.

She possesses extensive expertise in developing and delivering staff trainings, with a particular focus on school and early care settings. She has taught thousands of lessons using evidence-based curricula designed for diverse audiences, ranging from early child to adults, ensuring her programs are both inclusive and impactful.

Her leadership has been instrumental in the design, implementation, and long-term sustainability of school gardens across Yuma County. She previously coordinated and implemented a county-wide School Garden

Summit, bringing together educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to strengthen school garden programming and build momentum for local food education.

With strong, trusted relationships across the education, agriculture, and community sectors, the Program

Coordinator has significantly expanded the reach and influence of Farm to School and Farm to ECE initiatives in the region. Her ability to collaborate across sectors has been key to building a robust, regionally integrated approach to improving youth nutrition and educational outcomes.

She is an active member of the Arizona Food Systems Network and the Arizona Farm to School Network, where she stays connected to statewide efforts and best practices. Her leadership also extends to professional networks: she previously co-chaired the Farm to ECE and School Garden Community of Practice and currently chairs the Yuma HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) Coalition, which addresses systemic food access issues across the region.

Her work exemplifies a holistic, community-driven approach to improving health, education, and food equity, and her experience positions her as a vital leader in the continued growth and sustainability of Farm to School programming in Yuma County and beyond.

Her professional development includes completion of a wide range of relevant trainings and certifications, such as:

• Certified Master Gardener

• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and Arizona Foundation for Agricultural Literacy Summer

AG Institute

• Community Leadership Accelerator

• Resident Leadership Academy training Facilitator certificate

• Group Facilitation

• Texas A & M Agrilife extension Junior Master Gardener plant growth and development

• National Farm to School conference

• Seed to Supper curriculum

• Leah’s Pantry Nourishing Pantries program

• Facilitator training for Leah’s Pantry Around the Table curriculum

• Trauma Basics and its Relationship to Nourishment

• Community Engagement training through the Center for Wellness and Nutrition

• GO NAPSACC Consultant certification

• Smarter Lunchrooms training

• Systems Approaches for Healthy Communities, University of Minnesota Extension

• Food Handlers Certificate from Yuma County Public Health Services District

• Food Demonstration Training through the Arizona Department of Health Services

• Direct Education Train-the-Trainer certification

• Native Health Institute Being an Ally in Indian Country

These qualifications equip her to provide culturally responsive, effective support and technical assistance to local producers, educators, food service staff, and community partners, using trauma informed approaches centering community and ensuring high-quality implementation of garden-based and nutrition education programs aligned with local needs.

The Community Engagement Specialist brings over 15 years of experience with the YCPHSD team and recently completed Master Gardener training, further enhancing her ability to support farm to school and wellness initiatives. She is bi-lingual and deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of her community through culturally sensitive, trauma-informed education, strategic collaboration, and inclusive community engagement.

She has extensive experience in designing and delivering professional development for staff, particularly in early care and education (ECE) settings, and is a certified GO NAPSACC consultant. Her trainings are aligned with

PSE strategies for long-term impact, and she is registered to offer workforce registry credit to ECE professionals who attend her sessions.

Recently, she served as a co-facilitator for the Farm to ECE Learning Collaborative, supporting the integration of local food systems into early childhood programs. She has also partnered with multiple local school districts to enhance wellness policies, and has worked closely with cafeteria staff as part of the Smarter

Lunchrooms Movement, helping several schools achieve Gold Status.

Her work includes delivering evidence-based nutrition education curricula tailored to diverse audiences, ensuring accessibility and relevance across the community. This specialist exemplifies a strong, sustained commitment to advancing community health, nutrition, and education through innovative, community-driven approaches.

Her professional development includes completion of a wide range of relevant trainings and certifications, such as:

• Food Safety-SERV Safe

• Multiple CACFP trainings

• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and Arizona Foundation for Agricultural Literacy Summer

AG Institute

• Group Facilitation

• Seed to Supper curriculum

• Facilitator training for Leah’s Pantry Around the Table curriculum

• Trauma Basics and its Relationship to Nourishment

• Community Engagement training through the Center for Wellness and Nutrition

• Empower professional Development for staff

• GO NAPSACC Consultant certification

• Smarter Lunchrooms training

• Systems Approaches for Healthy Communities, University of Minnesota Extension

• Food Handlers Certificate from Yuma County Public Health Services District

• Food Demonstration Training through the Arizona Department of Health Services

• Native Health Institute Being an Ally in Indian Country

The Health Educator has been a valued team member for the past three years, she plays a key role in advancing

Farm to School efforts by designing and implementing early care and K–12 school-based initiatives that enhance education around agriculture, nutrition, and the origins of food. With a strong foundation in evidence-based education and community engagement, the educator has successfully led projects that align with the goals of

Farm to School by integrating hands-on learning, and sustainable wellness practices into school and early care settings.

The Health Educator is bilingual and works closely with schools, and community stakeholders to develop interventions using culturally appropriate trauma-informed practices that reflect each site diverse needs. They regularly deliver nutrition education sessions using evidence-based curricula, adapting materials and teaching methods to resonate with K–12 students, early learners, and their caregivers.

They actively support schools in sustaining school gardens, recognizing these spaces as key tools for experiential learning, food literacy, and community connection. Their work is guided by policy, systems, and environmental

(PSE) strategies, ensuring that Farm to School programs not only engage students but also contribute to long-term, systemic change in school food environments.

As a GO NAPSACC consultant, she has supported the Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Learning

Collaborative, while also working one-on-one with ECE sites to strengthen their gardens, wellness policies, and daily practices. In addition, she has collaborated with school cafeteria staff through the Smarter

Lunchrooms Movement, guiding several schools to successfully achieve Gold Status by implementing evidence-based strategies that promote healthy food choices and improve the overall school food environment.

Her trainings and certificates include:

• CPR AED

• Resident Leadership Academy Training Facilitator Certificate

• Mental Health First Aid Certificate

• ADHS Community Health Worker Certificate

• CDA (Child Development Associate Credential)

• Leah’s Pantry Around the Table and Food Smarts Facilitator Training

• GO NAPSACC Consultant

• Smarter Lunchrooms Consultant

• Trauma Basics and its Relationship to Nourishment

• Native health Institute Being an ally in Indian Country

• State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance card

• Food Demonstration Trained, Arizona Department of Health Services

Together, our team brings a depth of experience, community trust, and a proven track record of success in implementing Farm to School initiatives across Yuma County. With expertise spanning early care and education, school nutrition, garden-based learning, community engagement, and policy, systems, and environmental change, we are well-positioned to expand the impact of this work. Our collective commitment to health equity, sustainability, and collaboration ensures we have the capacity and vision to carry this project forward and deliver meaningful, long-term outcomes for the children, families, and schools we serve.

9. Describe two major accomplishments that demonstrate the Applicant’s effectiveness and capacity to provide services or assistance as described in the narrative.

1. Successful Implementation of a Farm to ECE Learning Collaborative:

Most recently in early 2025 YCPHSD successfully facilitated a Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) learning collaborative (LC) using the GO NAPSACC Gardening learning model adapting it to reflect local seasons, language and specific needs of local sites. The LC provided structured, peer-supported training and technical assistance to early childhood education providers. All 12 participating sites fully completed the program, demonstrating strong engagement, relevance of content, and effective facilitation. This accomplishment reflects the YCPHSD ability to build capacity at the site level, foster collaboration and support amongst ECE providers, and deliver high-quality professional development that supports long-term integration of Farm to ECE practices.

2. Our team has taken a leadership role in the design, implementation, and long-term sustainability of school gardens throughout Yuma County, positioning gardens as essential tools for hands-on learning, nutrition education, and community engagement. To date, we have successfully established or provided ongoing support to gardens at over 20 sites, spanning both early care and K–12 settings.

This achievement reflects not only our commitment to improving student health and food literacy, but also our ability to build strong partnerships with educators, administrators, cafeteria staff, and local agricultural stakeholders. These gardens serve as living classrooms where students learn about where food comes from, how it’s grown, and the importance of healthy eating—lessons that align directly with Farm to School goals and priorities.

Through technical assistance, educator training, and curriculum integration we’ve ensured that these gardens are not one-time projects but sustainable, embedded components of school wellness environments. This initiative has become a model for other regions, and it continues to grow as we expand our reach and deepen community investment in the health and education of Yuma County’s youth.

10. List all key personnel by name, position and/or title, responsibilities and percent of time to be assigned to this Grant. Key personnel is defined as staff involved in the planning, administration, operation, or monitoring of this Grant.

Revision question 2. Please provide justification for the inclusion of 2 FTE to be paid for by the grant at

100% of their time, given the list of responsibilities listed in the personnel table. Do these two individuals have other responsibilities for Yuma County Public Health Services outside of what this grant would cover?

Personnel time and responsibilities have been revised and are described in the table. Time has been adjusted to accommodate budget reductions. Three (3) personnel members will be assigned to this grant as follows.

• Tricia Kinnell will be assigned at .50%

• Frances Herrera will be assigned at 100%

• Betsaida Gomez will be assigned at .75%

Key Personnel Table

Full Name Position/Title Responsibilities % Time

Assigned to Grant

Tricia Kinnell Program

Coordinator

The Program Coordinator will provide oversight and leadership across all aspects of the program ensuring that project activities are implemented effectively and align with overall goals, timelines, and statewide priorities, planning, budget and deliverables tracking, and reporting, lead the implementation of local procurement and food systems strategies across the region, manage relationships with key partners including the Arizona Department of

Education (ADE), the Arizona

Department of Health Services

(ADHS), school districts, local farmers, and community-based organizations, represent the program in regional and statewide meetings, committees and Communities of

Practice, lead the expansion…