The SLC Community Food Microgrants program is a funding initiative designed to support resident- and community-led projects aimed at addressing food systems disparities and increasing access to fresh, healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food in Salt Lake City. The program is part of Salt Lake City's broader efforts to foster a more sustainable and equitable local food environment, providing opportunities for residents to shape, participate in, and enjoy a resilient food system. The initiative is managed by the Salt Lake City Sustainability Department, which launched the program in 2023 and has already distributed over $75,000 in grants to more than 100 residents and community organizations.

The program has two categories of grants available: the Home Food Production Grants, which provide $250 for residents to support home-based food production efforts such as vegetable gardens, fruit trees, food preservation, backyard chickens, and beekeeping; and the Community Grants, which offer up to $5,000 for community groups, organizations, or small businesses involved in food-related projects. These projects must address one or more of the program's priority areas, which include growing food, inclusive outreach, dignified food access, and healthy food environments.

The SLC Food Microgrant Program aims to achieve several goals. These include fostering resilient and diverse healthy food environments within neighborhoods, supporting marginalized communities' access to healthy food, enhancing individual and community self-reliance by reducing barriers to food production, and increasing the availability of food-related information and resources. Another important goal is to make food culturally relevant and accessible to all, including considering individuals' health, spiritual beliefs, and tastes.

Eligible applicants are Salt Lake City residents and community-based organizations that primarily serve the Salt Lake City area. The program encourages participation from individuals, small businesses, and organizations dedicated to improving local food systems. Specific funding priorities for community groups include projects that grow food, engage in inclusive outreach, or improve access to healthy food. Applicants are encouraged to apply for grants that support a variety of food-related initiatives, from home gardens to larger community outreach projects.

Applications for the 2025 cycle of the SLC Community Food Microgrant Program are open, with a deadline of Monday, March 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon). Applicants must submit their materials by this deadline to be considered for funding. There will also be an informational and application support workshop held on February 13, 2025, for potential applicants to learn more about the program and how to apply.

Grant recipients will be announced after the close of the application period, and successful applicants will receive their funds in a timely manner to support their projects. The program offers substantial support to both individuals and community organizations working to make food systems in Salt Lake City more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable. For questions or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact Maria Schwarz, the Food System Resilience Program Manager, at maria.schwarz@slc.gov or by phone at (385) 271-7220.