Phoenix Backyard Garden Program empowers residents to grow nutritious food with aquaponics

The City of Phoenix held a meeting on May 2, 2025, to discuss the Phoenix Backyard Garden Program, which aims to empower residents to grow their own food. The program collaborates with three partners: Tiger Mountain Foundation, LEER, and NXT Horizon, providing residents with garden systems, seeds, plants, and one year of education and support.

The initiative targets areas in Phoenix facing food insecurity, known as food deserts, where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited. By encouraging backyard gardening, the program seeks to improve residents' diets, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce food expenses.

Participants shared their experiences with the program, highlighting the satisfaction of growing their own food. One resident noted the joy of harvesting broccoli and the unexpected success of their gardening efforts, despite initial fears of killing plants. Another participant described the benefits of aquaponics, where fish and plants support each other's growth, resulting in a sustainable food source.

The meeting emphasized the program's impact on families, with residents reporting increased consumption of fresh produce and even sharing their harvests with friends and community members. One participant expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide healthy food for their family, noting that their picky eater child enjoyed fresh vegetables straight from the garden.

Overall, the Phoenix Backyard Garden Program is fostering a sense of community, sustainability, and self-sufficiency among residents, while addressing food insecurity in the city. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting and expanding the program to reach more residents in need.