Grow Local Tempe promotes local food initiatives

The city of Tempe's Sustainability and Resilience Division celebrated local food initiatives and gathered community feedback last month at the June edition of Grow Local Tempe.

Residents gave their input on the Grow Local Tempe community food roadmap, according to the release. The roadmap outlines strategies and resources to empower residents to grow, cook and access fresh food within their neighborhoods.

Over 125 residents stopped by the event, which offered a variety of interactive activities, including:

• Informational booths on community gardens, urban agriculture programs, and local food resources;
• Educational sessions on topics like backyard composting and healthy cooking demonstrations;
• Fun, hands-on activities for all ages, like seed planting and herb identification; and
• Attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments featuring local ingredients and a free produce market showcasing the bounty of Maricopa County's vibrant agricultural scene.

"The turnout for the 'Grow Local' event was fantastic," Tempe Councilmember Berdetta Hodge stated in the release. "The enthusiasm and engagement from the community demonstrate a strong desire for a more robust local food system.”

She added that the feedback received will be instrumental in shaping the Grow Local Tempe roadmap and ensuring it meets residents’ needs.

The city of Tempe is committed to fostering a sustainable and resilient food system that connects residents with fresh, healthy and locally grown food.

The "Grow Local Tempe" roadmap will serve as a blueprint for achieving these goals and empowering residents to be active participants in a thriving local food network, the release explained.

Residents who were unable to attend the event can learn more about the Grow Local Tempe initiative and find ways to get involved by visiting tempe.gov/GrowLocal.