Activate Food Arizona Awarded $375,000 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant to Support Farm Express Mobile Markets in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa
(PHOENIX – September 29, 2026) – Activate Food Arizona has been awarded a 2026 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant from Mercy Care in the generous amount of $375,000 to support its Farm Express program, a fleet of mobile produce markets that sell healthy, affordable produce in communities throughout Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
The funding will help Activate Food Arizona meet the fresh produce needs of thousands of seniors, veterans, families and other community members with limited access to healthy food. Through the Farm Express program, these valued community members gain access to high quality, affordable fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, an essential component of individual and community wellbeing.
“Farm Express delivers a unique approach to addressing food insecurity across the Valley: we bring our markets directly to our customers,” said Elyse Guidas, executive director of Activate Food Arizona. “In partnership with Mercy Care, we prioritize healthy food options that are culturally appropriate and affordable so that everyone can make food choices that work for themselves and their families.”
Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative. Through Mercy C.A.R.E.S., Mercy Care partners with organizations that address health disparities and align with its community health focus areas. Since 2016, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. has invested nearly $45 million in community reinvestment projects that build basic needs, increase health access, manage chronic conditions, and support mental health and well-being. This year, 46 partners, from local nonprofits to statewide coalitions, amplify Mercy Care’s reach and deepen the organization’s impact across Arizona.
“Access to healthy food is one of the most important building blocks of good health. Through this partnership with Activate Food Arizona, we are helping bring healthy food directly into communities where transportation, cost, or availability can create barriers to healthy eating. We appreciate Activate Food Arizona’s commitment to meeting people where they are and creating solutions that strengthen the health and well-being of Arizona communities,” said Trisha Stuart, director of community relations at Mercy Care.
About Activate Food Arizona
Activate Food Arizona is a “do tank” that develops and deploys community-based food system solutions to improve the lives of all Arizonans. Since 2014, the organization has served more than 150,000 community members with healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food options, contributing to better health outcomes, greater community connections, and more resilient food systems throughout the state. For more information, please visit www.activatefoodaz.org.
About Mercy Care
Mercy Care is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Arizonans. Since 1985, Mercy Care has provided access to quality physical and behavioral health care services for Medicaid-eligible families, children, seniors, and individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Mercy Care is a not-for-profit Medicaid managed care health plan sponsored by Dignity Health and Ascension Health. Learn more at www.MercyCareAZ.org.
