UArizona research shows perseverance in Tucson food industry

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TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) – University of Arizona researchers released a new report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the food system right here in Tucson.

The research is extensive and shows that while the pandemic has presented many challenges – farmers, food manufacturers and retailers have adapted and overcome hardships.

“I would like to acknowledge that the crisis is still ongoing,” said Laurel Bellante, UArizona researcher, during the virtual presentation.

Bellante was involved in this research. She says the effects of the pandemic may still be felt for years to come.

However, through the pandemic, researchers have learned how strong the local food system is.

“Local food systems play a crucial role in times of crisis. These local sources have been able to fill these immediate gaps and the increased food needs that have arisen as a result of the pandemic, ”said Gigi Owen, scientist at UArizona.

This then led them to their next find.

“Southern Arizona’s local food system also displayed several resilient traits,” added Owen.

Properties such as flexibility, the existence and use of predefined networks and even the sharing of resources.

Although the pandemic has brought its challenges.

“The proportion of food insecure households in Arizona has increased. More Hispanics or Latinx and non-white households reported being in food insecurity than white households, ”Owen said.

Increasing heat, extreme drought, and lack of financial support for new and small farms also became more apparent – adding additional challenges to food production, distribution and restaurant operations during the pandemic.

“From March 2020 to March 2021, 25 food companies had to permanently close their doors,” said Sean Maccabe during the virtual meeting.

Maccabe is a PhD student at the University of Arizona School of Landscape Architecture and Planning.

So here companies had to adapt in order to overcome.

Restaurants took advantage of scholarships, switching from takeaway and expanding outdoor seating.

Food manufacturers and retailers also switched to an e-commerce-intensive platform and formed partnerships to meet the need for food insecurity.

The Tohono O’Odham Nation – also resourceful and cooperative to bring food.

“Our conversations are now, you know what our next steps are and I am really proud of us. I am really proud of all of us that we came together and, most importantly, forged strong relationships and alliances with one another because at the end of the day we all have to eat, ”said Amy Juan of the Tohono O’Odham Nation.

Researchers are now recommending coordinating measures that take account of the Southwest’s arid environment, diversify participation and offer sustainable investments in the local food system.

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