Salt Lake City’s Commitment to Healthy Food Access: Community Projects Funded
Salt Lake City is taking bold steps to enhance access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally significant food for its residents. Through the 2025 SLC Food Microgrant program, the city has allocated over $56,500 to support 12 transformative community-led food initiatives.
Encouraging Food Equity through Local Projects
A Vision for Resilience
In a recent statement, Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the importance of these microgrants, noting, “We often talk about building a more resilient Salt Lake City, and this is one way we’re doing it—by supporting neighbors and community groups who grow food, share knowledge, and improve access to locally sourced, culturally meaningful foods.” The program aligns with the city’s Resident Food Equity Advisors Program, which focuses on fostering equitable food systems.
Championing Healthy, Inclusive Communities
The selected community groups address pressing issues such as growing food, inclusive outreach, dignified food access, and creating healthier food environments. Each group has been awarded up to $5,000, demonstrating the city’s commitment to cultivating a thriving food ecosystem. Here’s a look at the inspiring groups receiving funding in 2025:
- Backyard Urban Garden (BUG) Farms
- Community Health Centers, Inc.
- Food Not Bombs Salt Lake City
- Food, Movement, and You – University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition
- Frog Bench Farms
- Neighborhood House
- New American Goat Club
- Orenda Urban Farm
- Proyecto Xilonen
- Rose Park Bee Club
- Urban Pepper Project
- Vanavil Community Garden
Supporting Homegrown Initiatives
In addition to the community projects, 96 individual residents or households have also received grants of $250 each. These funds promote home food production efforts, including:
- Vegetable and herb gardens
- Fruit trees
- Food preservation
- Backyard chickens
- Beekeeping
Maria Schwarz, the Food System Resilience Program Manager, states, “From installing gardens and educating youth to placing new free-access fridges, these microgrants go toward tangible improvements in our city’s food system.” The benefits extend beyond mere access to food—they cultivate community connections and promote environmental sustainability.
The Financial Backbone of Success
This initiative received $50,000 in funding from the City Council in FY25, supplemented by additional contributions from Okta through the Solar Stewards donation agreement. This collaborative effort illustrates how local governments and private entities can join forces to achieve common goals in community health and sustainability.
Learn More About the Grant Program
To dive deeper into the SLC Food Microgrant program and explore the innovative projects funded, visit the Salt Lake City Sustainability Department. Your engagement can play a role in fostering a healthier community!
Conclusion
Salt Lake City is leading the way in promoting food equity and sustainability through community empowerment. By investing in local initiatives and supporting residents in their food production efforts, the city is creating a resilient and interconnected food system for everyone.
Join the movement—let’s cultivate a healthier, more vibrant Salt Lake City together!
