SE549 Tucson, Arizona, made history, becoming the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States.

Yes that is true, Tucson is a good place to come and enjoy the sun and find wonderful food to eat both for your health, preserving history, and enjoying the cuisine. Leading the charge in this delicious endeavor is Jonathan Mabry, the Executive Director of the Tucson City of Gastronomy, a non-profit organization with a mission to grow a sustainable desert community by supporting its creative food cultures. This is more than just great restaurants. The organization’s goals include celebrating and preserving the region's rich agricultural history, to support local food businesses, and to foster a food system that is environmentally and economically resilient. The impact has been tangible and Tucson has seen a flourishing of its food scene. The non-profit has established a certification programs "Resilience Kitchen" which empower the community through heritage foodways, and their annual Pueblos del Maíz festival generates millions of dollars in economic impact for the city. This isn't just about food, it's about identity, sustainability, and building a thriving community from the ground up. So, get ready to dig in as we explore how Jonathan Mabry and the Tucson City of Gastronomy are proving that food can be a powerful force for change.