Food Systems

The way we grow food and the way we eat matters. We consider the food system an essential part of creating a more sustainable future. Because a food system includes everything from soil to spoil, we focus on production, access, and food waste. The City is committed to enhancing access to fresh, healthy, and sustainable food in our communities. The Food Systems Program aims to collaborate, plan, and develop resources to support a resilient system in Salt Lake City.

Learn more about SLC’s local food scene, community gardens, and more.

2025 Accomplishments

• Continued investing in diverse, grassroots efforts to strengthen the local food system through the Community Food Microgrant Program. In 2025:
  • 96 individual residents or households were awarded $250 from the Home Food Production Grants category. Awards focused on helping Salt Lakers improve resiliency by building gardens, chicken coops, or other home food production infrastructure.
  • 12 community groups received funding from the Community Grants category. Funding ranged from $300 – $5,000 and bolstered organizations doing everything from grocery waste rescue and redistribution in Central City, to rebuilding a garden used for client health education in Rose Park.

• Continued local food systems research efforts. This research will result in several reports, including the City Community Food Assessment and the SLC Urban Agriculture Report.

• Updated our food system website to clarify programs and initiatives related to our local food system. The updates also align with new City branding and accessibility guidelines.

2026 Priorities

• Complete and share the results of the updated Community Food Assessment and the SLC Urban Agriculture Report. These results will help develop a roadmap to support and increase urban agriculture, in collaboration with City departments and community partners.

• Formally recognize food system resiliency as a priority for the City and integral for residents to thrive. Formal recognition could be signing on to the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact or adopting a food system resiliency joint resolution.

• Continue to grow the Community Food Microgrant Program, which helps fund community- and resident-led projects and programs. These projects demonstrate direct actions for food system resiliency and access in our community.