Organizations Partner to Support Grand Canyon Community Amid Shutdown

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (Oct. 30, 2025) — In a year marked by both a major wildfire at the North Rim and now a government shutdown, Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC) are joining forces to ensure that Grand Canyon residents and park employees continue to have access to essential food and resources.

Through direct funding, GCC—the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park—is supporting FFFC’s efforts to keep the Grand Canyon Food Pantry operating at full capacity. The Pantry, managed by one full-time staff member and a dedicated team of volunteers, plays a crucial role in providing nourishment and stability to the local community, particularly during times of crisis.

The Grand Canyon Food Pantry, operated by FFFC, recovers hundreds of pounds of food each week through an extensive food rescue program that partners with local concessioners and grocery stores. This community-driven effort ensures continued access to nutritious food during government shutdowns, fires, and seasonal transitions that can disrupt life and work at the canyon.

“As uncertainty continues with the government shutdown, we thank GCC for supporting the Flagstaff Family Food Center and the Grand Canyon Food Pantry as we prepare for an increase in need,” said Ethan Amos, CEO of the Flagstaff Family Food Center. “Our mission is ‘Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day,’ and we remain committed to ensuring that no one in the Grand Canyon community faces hunger alone.”

“Grand Canyon Conservancy is proud to assist our Grand Canyon community in any way we can during this challenging time,” said Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “The Grand Canyon Food Pantry is a vital community lifeline, and we’re honored to help sustain its essential work.”

Together, GCC and FFFC are demonstrating how local partnerships can strengthen the Grand Canyon community—helping ensure that even in times of crisis, compassion, cooperation, and care continue to thrive.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

About the Flagstaff Family Food Center

The Flagstaff Family Food Center gives hope to local families by providing hunger relief and working to increase food security in the community. We rescue food from local sources, coordinate incredible volunteers to prepare, serve, and distribute food, and maintain a safe community gathering place for sharing meals. Through our various food programs, we provide thousands of meals daily throughout northern Arizona. When you give to the Flagstaff Family Food Center, your contributions stay local as we work together to feed our neighbors in need. For more information, visit https://hotfood.org.