Transit Tea, Heirloom Farmers Markets launch Nourish Your Neighbors in Tucson

Transit Tea and Heirloom Farmers Markets will launch the Nourish Your Neighbors Tucson initiative this weekend. The effort responds to recent SNAP reductions that have limited access to food for many families. Organizers aim to raise funds while connecting the community to fresh, local products.

This weekend, Transit Tea will donate 50 percent of sales from its mobile tea trailer at three market locations. The company set a goal to contribute $2,500 and hopes the community will match that amount. Organizers designed the program to provide direct support for Tucson residents facing food insecurity.

Nourish Your Neighbors Tucson supports local food access

The Nourish Your Neighbors Tucson initiative creates a direct pathway for community support. Organizers will direct funds toward helping families access fresh, healthy food through local markets. The program also highlights the role of small businesses in addressing food access challenges.

“We saw an immediate need when SNAP access changed,” said Manish Shah, founder of Transit Tea and Heirloom Farmers Markets. “This is about neighbors supporting neighbors. If we can come together as a community, we can ensure that fresh, nourishing food remains accessible to everyone — especially right now.”

Meanwhile, organizers plan to expand the program beyond its launch weekend. The initial monthly fundraising goal stands at $5,000. Community participation will play a key role in sustaining the effort.

Where to find Transit Tea this weekend

Community members can visit Transit Tea’s mobile trailer at three Heirloom Farmers Markets locations from 8 a.m. to noon. Each stop offers an opportunity to support the initiative through purchases or direct donations.

Locations include:

• Friday: Morris K. Udall Park, 7202 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
• Saturday: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley
• Sunday: Rillito Park Market Pavilions, 4502 N. 1st Ave.

Each purchase contributes directly to the fundraising goal. Organizers encourage guests to attend any or all locations across the weekend.

Special menu item highlights Tucson collaboration

In addition to regular offerings, Transit Tea will feature a limited-time chai float. The drink includes ice cream from The Screamery, a well-known Tucson dessert shop. This collaboration highlights the city’s connected food community.

“Nourish Your Neighbors is designed to be simple and powerful,” said Doran Hadan, development director for Heirloom Farmers Markets. “We’re creating a direct pathway for the community to support access to healthy, local food. This launch weekend is just the beginning.”

The activation combines local flavor with community impact. Guests can enjoy a unique beverage while supporting a meaningful cause.

How to support the initiative

Community members can support Nourish Your Neighbors Tucson by visiting the markets or donating directly. Organizers will accept contributions both on-site and online. For more information, visit heirloomfm.org.

The launch weekend marks the beginning of a broader effort to improve food access. Organizers hope the initiative will grow through continued community involvement.