With local food insecurity rising, the Phoenix City Council will weigh a new roadmap for the city’s food system at a policy session on Tuesday, June 9. The presentation on the 2030 Food Action Plan begins at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, with options for residents to attend in person, online, or by phone.
The plan, which heads to City Council for formal approval this month, seeks to increase local food hubs and urban agriculture initiatives, which may impact community gardens and food access points across Phoenix.
Addressing a Growing Need
“It is a critical moment to adopt the 2030 Food Action Plan due to significant challenges that our food system is facing,” said Maddie Mercer, food systems program manager with the city’s Office of Environmental Programs. “We know from our community partners that there has been a heightened need for emergency food assistance since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.”
Recent cuts to SNAP benefits have exacerbated that pressure, affecting thousands of Arizonans who already navigate limited food access.
Community-Driven Priorities
The 2030 plan, co-developed with Phoenix residents and food system stakeholders through a 10-month community engagement process, included surveys, workshops, and focus groups.
From those engagement sessions, 10 priority areas emerged.
Mercer said increasing food access in underserved communities tops the list of priorities — with the city focused on whether food is available in sufficient quantity, physically reachable, affordable without forcing tradeoffs on other basic needs, and culturally appropriate for the residents it serves.
“Phoenix residents are excited about getting involved in the food system — not just as eaters, but as growers, volunteers, entrepreneurs and advocates,” Mercer said.
The city’s previous plan, adopted in 2020, saw 90% of its targeted actions completed, a track record that gives this next iteration real weight. What happens June 9 will determine which programs get funded, which partnerships get formalized and which communities see investment in their local food systems through 2030.
How to Participate
Policy sessions give council members the chance to question staff, hear public input and signal direction before any formal vote that is scheduled to happen later in the month.
Residents who cannot attend in person have options. The city broadcasts live coverage of council meetings online at phoenix.gov/phxtv. For accessibility services, including sign language interpretation, contact the City Clerk’s office at 602-262-6557 at least 72 hours in advance.
Tuesday’s session is the public’s last opportunity to shape this plan before it becomes city policy.
