‘Client Choice’ Model Begins at Flagstaff Family Food Center

Flagstaff Family Food Center’s mission has always been simple but powerful: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day. It’s a motto that drives our work as we address food insecurity while respecting the dignity of our clients and fostering a strong sense of community. In the past two months, we’ve launched two initiatives shaped by what we heard from the people we serve and highlighted in our 2024 Northern Arizona Food Equity Report: a new client choice model and a pilot food delivery program for individuals unable to reach us due to medical challenges.

Serving Our Neighbors & Reducing Food Waste

In May, we introduced the client choice model at our neighborhood food distributions throughout Flagstaff. Rather than receiving pre-packed produce that might not suit their preferences or dietary needs, our neighbors now have the opportunity to “shop” for items they know they’ll use. It’s a model that not only serves our clients better – it avoids food waste.

During distributions, families can pull over and select fresh fruits and vegetables arrayed on gingham-covered tables – a thoughtful touch from our Vice President, Ceara Chirovsky – to make the experience feel more like a farmer’s market than a food line.

We’ve seen firsthand how this model fosters community: neighbors swapping recipes, sharing smiles, and – perhaps most touchingly – expressing concern for others.

“The most common thing I hear,” said Distribution Manager, Chris Smiley, “is ‘I don’t want to take too much; I want to make sure there’s enough for everyone else.’”

And there is. Because when we respect people’s choices, we reduce waste and build trust. As needs grow and benefit cuts to programs like SNAP loom, this respect for resources matters more than ever.

“Right now we have to maximize our food,” Ceara noted. “Every apple needs to go as far as possible, every tomato has to make a maximum impact. The client choice model is perfect for that.” Today, our client choice model is available to hundreds of families each week in Flagstaff. We hope to expand this model to our regional distributions in Williams and Winslow soon.

Introducing Home Delivery of Food Boxes

We also know that not every neighbor can reach one of our distribution sites. That’s why we’ve started a limited pilot program to provide home delivery of food boxes in partnership with Northern Arizona Healthcare.

Through a medical referral platform, doctors can refer homebound patients directly to us. We can even deliver food boxes tailored to their medical needs – such as low-sugar items.

This program is still small, but growing carefully. It ensures that those facing both food insecurity and health challenges are not left behind.

Both of these innovations stem directly from what we learned in the Food Equity Report: that real equity means listening to our community and meeting people where they are – whether that’s at a school parking lot, a church, or their own front door.