Access to healthy, affordable food.

OUR MISSION

Creating an equitable
system that provides all communities with better access to healthy, affordable food.

OUR APPROACH

We believe access
to food is the backbone of
thriving economies and communities, and no one deserves to live without it. 

For far too long, food insecurity has been stigmatized in our communities. Those affected are often left out of decision-making and have been isolated by inequitable policies and practices. We believe access to food is the backbone of thriving economies and communities, and no one deserves to live without it.  Since our inception, Activate Food Arizona and Farm Express have been on a mission to provide better access to healthy, affordable food for Arizona community members in both urban and rural regions of our state.

But the work we do goes beyond simply the sourcing and delivery of fresh, affordable food. Our main goal is to ensure all individuals have the ability to make their own food decisions and to, in turn, build more connected and united communities across Arizona. At Activate Food Arizona, we’ve already served more than 100,000 individuals and families in the state. As proud as we are about the difference we’re making, we know there is plenty more work to be done, and we won’t rest until all Arizonans have equitable access to the food they deserve.

OUR TEAM

Together, we’re
building more connected communities—
Across Arizona.

JOIN OUR TEAM
Six colorful carrots arranged in a row against a light background, showing orange, white, purple, yellow, and red varieties.

ELYSE GUIDAS

Executive Director

  • Elyse’s love of food goes far beyond flavor; it’s about the stories, connections, and community that is exchanged when food is involved. From her earliest memories of stealing the tastiest bite from a much-loved family snack - the “favorite bite” sandwich – to her work in public health and food system development, food and connection are the foundation of all that she does.

    As Executive Director of Activate Food Arizona, Elyse champions community-based food system solutions in Arizona and supports power building and networking across food systems throughout the country. Grab a meal with her – she promises not to steal the favorite bite this time. 

Three garlic bulbs with pink and white streaks, one with green sprout, on a plain white background.

LILLY NEIDHARDT

Farm Express Market Manager

  • Tabitha felt rich the moment she started shopping with Farm Express. She had the freedom to stretch her food dollars with programs like SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, and she had the freedom to choose her own fruits and vegetables instead of relying on food boxes of ultra-processed or canned food. Farm Express has felt to her like an investment in her body and her health, which expanded into new recipe ideas, meal plans, having friends over for dinner to share food, and cultivating a spirit of generosity for her community.

    She’s now a shopper and a team member at Farm Express, and further contributes to the Arizona food system as an owner, manager, and volunteer of multiple urban farms across Phoenix, where she grows climate-adapted food for her community. Find her on the bus and ask her about her favorite dish: calabacitas! 

Five blueberries floating against a plain white background.
Three red potatoes stacked against a plain light background.

TABITHA HELTON

Farm Express Market Coordinator

  • Lilly’s relationship with food began as soon as she was tall enough to reach the spice cabinet. Growing up, her family’s schedules conflicted all the time which meant making food was often a solo task for her at a very young age (shoutout to her mom for ensuring that there was always at least one jar of Kroger brand Cajun seasoning in the house at all times). It’s a challenge she still takes on to this day.

    If you’re ever feeling stuck on a recipe or recipe substitution, ask her about it. It’s likely she’s tried it before!

A ripe red cherry with a long stem on a light background.

GABI RICHARD

Farm Express Market Coordinator

  • With a deep affection for food, especially as a door into exploring and learning about various cultures, Gabi finds comfort and connection to her family and friends in the kitchen, both to those close by and on the other side of the world. She has dedicated a majority of her time and energy this past year to activism, and has become committed to the hope and idea of building a better world for all. She knows that enacting real change begins at home and establishing food access for her community is an integral step to reaching her goals.

    Gabi is elated and honored to be part of the Activate Food Arizona team and can't wait to create those meaningful lasting connections through this work.

AARON VALDIVIA

Farm Express Market Coordinator

  • Aaron joined the Farm Express team in the summer of 2021. He has 14 years of produce experience and enjoys sharing his knowledge and answering any food questions customers may have.

    If you're looking for the freshest in-season items we have to offer, look for Aaron and he will gladly point you in the right direction. In his off time, you’ll find him riding around the Valley on his bicycle or enjoying the company of his Tempe neighbors.