Tucson Invites Residents to Shape Future of Food Distribution in City Parks

The city of Tucson is set to hold a public forum focused on food distribution in local parks. This initiative aims to address the current regulations requiring individuals to obtain a permit from the Pima County Health Department before distributing food in city parks. Violating this rule may lead to citations, as officials seek to avoid overloading specific parks.

Last November, Councilmembers Karin Uhlich and Lane Santa Cruz urged a reevaluation of this permit policy. Their call was spurred by feedback from aid workers and Good Samaritans concerned about the challenges faced by the unhoused community in various parks across the city.

The forthcoming public forums are facilitated by the Center for Community Mediation and Facilitation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community dialogue. “We aim to gather a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the community’s ongoing pressures and assess the needs of those lacking stable housing,” Uhlich expressed in an interview with the Sentinel.

Obtaining a permit is free and remains valid for 10 days. However, individuals must first complete a food safety and clean-up training through the Health Department. Current regulations limit this to specific parks. For a park to qualify, it must be within one mile of a city-designated “hot spot” for homeless activity. Conversely, permits may be denied if there is already a congregate meal program, such as a soup kitchen, within 1.5 miles of the location.

An example highlighted during a November city council meeting was Santa Rita Park, which, despite its high unhoused population, does not qualify for permits due to its close proximity to Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, as explained by Parks and Recreation Director Lara Hamwey.

The city has designated four parks for permit distribution: Mission Manor operates daily, Mansfield Park is available on weekdays in the mornings, Todd Harris Sportsplex permits food sharing on weekdays mornings, and Reid Park is accessible every day both morning and evening.

Tucson is hosting two community conversations regarding this policy. The first will take place on Wednesday, March 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. The second session occurs on Saturday, March 8, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Donna Liggins Center, located at 2160 N. 6th Ave. While attendance via Zoom requires an RSVP, the in-person meeting encourages registration, although walk-ins are welcomed.