Phoenix speakers describe backyard garden program as tool for food security; city funding to continue, speaker says

A range of residents and program participants described the City of Phoenix Backyard Garden program, its gardening systems and benefits for food security, and said the city will continue the effort using general municipal (general fund) dollars.

The program supplies participating households with one of three garden systems — raised beds, a LEER system and an aquaponics option — plus seeds, plants, training, maintenance and one year of follow-up support, speakers told the meeting. Organizers said the effort targets city neighborhoods with limited access to affordable, nutritious food.

“A Backyard Garden program is a program where we empower residents to grow their own food,” a resident said, describing the package of equipment and training. Speakers emphasized…