Phoenix opens food grants program to tackle inequity issues

Food inequity continues to be a major challenge for Phoenix residents. To address this, the city is offering grants to organizations committed to helping people access food.

The Food Systems Grants are part of Phoenix’s 2030 Food Action Plan, which found that almost all of the 55 food deserts in Maricopa County are located within Phoenix boundaries.

Karen Ibarra is with the city’s Office of Environmental Programs.

“So the food systems grant provides up to $20,000 to support projects that essentially empower Phoenix residents to grow access, cook, share and eat healthy, affordable and culturally relevant food," she said.

This could mean creating community or school gardens, mobile markets or providing food boxes and making more food pantries available to communities that are in food deserts.

“And so we know that there are many Phoenix residents who, you know, either just don't have the time to cook and eat healthy affordable food or may not be able to access healthy food," she said.

Requesting a grant requires entities like businesses and nonprofit organizations to follow specific guidelines, like ensuring expenses go toward Phoenix residents and are spent within 12 months.

Applications for grants close 5 p.m. Aug. 31.

Previous recipients of the grants include Valleywise Health Foundation, Valley of the Sun YMCA and Food Systems Studio.