John Benedict

The Local Co-Op, Desert Sky Produce

Originally from New Jersey, Benedict moved to the Arizona town of 200 people seeking freedom, land, and space; he had no intention of becoming a farmer. However, after working with and learning from different farmers in the area, he started Desert Sky Produce in 2020 to contribute to local food production. 

As Benedict’s food production expanded, he dreamed of providing local food directly to the community, especially those who lacked the access and money to buy it, yet there were no clear channels to do so. This need – in addition to a serendipitous meeting at a farmers market – led him to co-found a food cooperative, The Local Co-Op, that would begin to transform his rural community. They now successfully sell into local school districts, as well as accept SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks.

Read more about John’s story here and read more about The Local Co-Op here.