As a Black woman and founder of Ascension Ranch, I consider myself a food justice activist and freedom farmer because; not only does my work create the opportunity for low-income people of color to access and distribute local organic food otherwise lacking in my community but also establish collective efforts that are also aimed at making the food system more just for everyone.
The basic right of food is essential for achieving freedom and equality for not only the BIPOC community but for all people in order to overcome the double burden of malnutrition - hunger and chronic diseases from highly processed, high calorie, nutrient-deficient “foods” that are consumed in place of fresh fruits and vegetables. In conclusion, Dr. Martin L. King Jr. states Ascension Ranch's community engagement best: “There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we have the resources to get rid of it.”

don't be indifferent

Support Food Security in Northern Arizona

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Mission

Ascension Ranch grows naturally and donates 100% of fruit and vegetable production to individuals and organizations serving people struggling with food insecurity. Ascension Ranch produce is donated to local food banks and pantries, and to local businesses serving the community for disbursement to residents.

Location

Ascension Ranch's legal and mailing address shows Flagstaff, Arizona; however, the physical location of Ascension Ranch is 5 miles from Valle, Arizona. The centre of Valle is an intersection of two highways 64 and 180. There are two gas stations, a Flintstones-themed campground now known as Raptor Ranch, a rock shop, a small private airport, an air museum, a water station, 2 glamping resorts, and 2 local motels. These businesses are all geared towards providing services to tourists on their way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Need

According to US Census Bureau data, 57.4 percent of the population lives below the poverty level. Residences are mostly self-built with varying levels of safety and amenities, and consists of mobile homes, RVs, sheds, shacks, tents, and teepees.

There is no grocery store for thirty to forty-five miles, making Valle a food desert. St. Mary's Food Bank operates once a month, when a truck parks on the side of Highway 64 and crates of water, vegetables and dry goods are given out to anyone with an address in Valle.

Beyond this central intersection there is no connection to sewers, no running water, no electricity grid, and no garbage removal. People live on undeveloped land entirely off-grid.

About Us

Ascension Ranch Food Security Network Inc is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS as Tax ID Number: 93-1740003 with a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency on GuideStar.

As a community farm specialized in addressing systemic food divestment and access to healthy food, Ascension Ranch is a key player and a source of hope to the rural community as there is no entity to provide fresh produce.

Currently, Eric Myers and Patricia Brickhouse are the two dedicated directors, who are committed to supporting and running its services. Ascension Ranch has established a relationship with the Grand Canyon Food Pantry at Grand Canyon Village and donated produce in a previous growing season.