| Grant Funding Available for Small, Food-Related Businesses in Phoenix | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2695 | Environment & Sustainability | | 3/16/2023 7:55:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2695/Untitled design (35).png | | Grant Funding Available for Small, Food-Related Businesses in Phoenix | <div class="ExternalClass3B264802D1A648F3BB5CC6984AD9F7FC"><html>The City of Phoenix is offering grants to small, food-related businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts. Applications are now open for the <a href="https://phoenix-gov.formstack.com/forms/food_grants" target="_blank">Food Systems Transformation Grant</a>, which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded Phoenix Resilient Food System Initiative.<br><br>The Office of Environmental Programs has $800,000 available in grant funding to distribute to small businesses located within Phoenix city limits. Eligible small businesses include those who are a part of the City's food system and play a role in the consumption, distribution, growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing or the disposal of food and food-related items. <br><br>Grants must be used to create a more resilient, sustainable, equitable, healthy, and thriving system. Examples of projects that help transform the local food system include but are not limited to: <br><br><ul><li>Advancing justice, equity, and fairness within the local food system.</li><li>Promoting efforts to reduce the impact of the local food system on our changing climate (mitigation).</li><li>Strengthening the resiliency of the local food system in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, various shocks, and disruptions (adaptation).</li><li>Enhancing food security, accessibility, affordability, and healthy eating.</li><li>Adopting new and/or expanding existing sustainable and innovative urban food production, distribution, aggregation, processing, and recycling practices.<br></li><li>Developing product prototypes.</li><li>Creating new, high-quality jobs to implement grant-funded projects.</li><li>Improving local market options.<br><br></li></ul>Small businesses are eligible to receive between $5,000 and $99,000 in grants and must use funds to complete all proposed projects within 12 months. Grant applications are due no later than March 31. Apply <a href="https://phoenix-gov.formstack.com/forms/food_grants" target="_blank">here</a> to view the full details and eligibility requirements. <br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| City of Phoenix Gets Heat Ready with Bookmark Art Contest | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2681 | Environment & Sustainability | | 3/9/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2681/Photo_Burton_Barr (4).JPG | | City of Phoenix Gets Heat Ready with Bookmark Art Contest | <div class="ExternalClassFBC1847F557F41598F9730B74DFB6C3A"><html>
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<p>The City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is partnering with the Phoenix Public Library to host a <a href="/heatsite/Pages/Stay-Cool-Summer-Art-Contest.aspx" target="_blank">“Stay Cool Summer" art contest.</a> Contestants will create and submit a bookmark design that promotes heat safety and represents what a “Stay Cool Summer" means to them. </p>
<p>Contestants can feature a variety of ways to stay cool in their artwork such as staying hydrated, finding shade, using sunscreen, and much more. </p>
<p>“As a mom, I know the importance of keeping our kids safe and entertained during the hot summer months," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This contest helps spread the message about heat safety in a fun and interactive way. Phoenix is a leader in urban cooling and heat response strategies, and these creative ideas can even lead to new innovations!"</p>
<p>The Office of Heat Response and Mitigation was established in October 2021 making it the first publicly funded heat office in the nation. The department focuses on strategies to combat heat and bring awareness to the environmental impacts it has in Phoenix. </p>
<p>“Our office is proud to partner with the Phoenix Public Library for this year's art contest. It allows Phoenix kids to get creative while showcasing what it means to stay cool and safe during the summer," said City of Phoenix Heat Response and Mitigation Director Dave Hondula.</p>
<p>Students can submit their artwork by scanning and emailing their design to <a href="mailto:heatreadyphx@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">heatreadyphx@phoenix.gov</a> featuring Stay Cool Summer art contest' in the subject line or by dropping it off at one of the Phoenix Public Library's branch locations. </p>
<p>The deadline to submit a bookmark design is April 7. Visit <a href="https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">phoenixpubliclibrary.org</a> to find a Phoenix Public Library location. <br></p>
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| City of Phoenix Accepting Applications for a Free All-Spanish-Speaking Food Business Training Program | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2673 | Environment & Sustainability | | 3/2/2023 10:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2673/PHX Worker Cooperative Vet Cohort1 (1).jpg | | City of Phoenix Accepting Applications for a Free All-Spanish-Speaking Food Business Training Program | <div class="ExternalClass309416121DC8450B875748ED3D1D2C69"><html>
<p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">T</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">he City of Phoenix and </span><a style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;" href="https://www.thriveconsultancyinc.com/" target="_blank">Thrive Consultancy, Inc.</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> are partnering to launch an all-Spanish-speaking Sustainable Cooperative Food Business Training Program for Phoenix residents interested in collaborating to start a sustainable cooperative food business. </span></p>
<p>During the program, participants will work with their peers to create business plans, develop start-up budgets and marketing pitches for a co-developed sustainable cooperative food business idea. Mentorship and business tools will be available to program attendees to help set them up for success. </p>
<p>Weekly training sessions will be held at the South Mountain Community Center in South Phoenix beginning March 16 through May 18 on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. Only 25 spaces are open for the program and participants must attend all 10 weeks to complete the program. </p>
<p>Interested applicants can visit the<a href="https://www.thriveconsultancyinc.com/programa" target="_blank"> Thrive Consultancy, Inc website</a> to apply. Applications are open through March 10. <br></p>
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| Take a Bite Out of Phoenix: City of Phoenix Partners with Local First Arizona to Celebrate Local Food | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2648 | Environment & Sustainability | | 2/3/2023 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2648/downtown phoenix.JPG | | Take a Bite Out of Phoenix: City of Phoenix Partners with Local First Arizona to Celebrate Local Food | <div class="ExternalClass3669C6E761BB4CD8AAA863BA947B4852"><html>
<p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">J</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">ust </span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">in time for Super Bowl, the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs and Local First Arizona are teaming up to launch its Phoenix: Let's Eat Local! campaign on Feb. 4 celebrating local restaurant owners, farmers, advocates and more to help build stronger food systems in Phoenix communities.</span></p>
<p>“I can't think of a better time to launch this campaign," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “There are so many incredible local restaurants in Phoenix that I hope visitors will be able to try while they are here for the big game. Eating local is the ultimate way to get a taste of what Phoenix is about." </p>
<p>Several areas were selected to highlight during the campaign due to the diversity of the Phoenix food scene. Roosevelt Row, Melrose, and Grand offer a well-known food community in the downtown Phoenix area, while Miracle Mile continues to emerge. South Phoenix, Maryvale, Eastlake Park and Nuestro Barrios Unidos features unique local neighborhood character and diversity in population.</p>
<p>As a part of the campaign's initiative, the City of Phoenix is working towards making sure all residents have access to affordable, healthy local food options. On March 4, 2020, Mayor Kate Gallego and Phoenix City Council approved the 2025 Phoenix Food Action Plan, which features a goal to offer healthy food for all by 2050. </p>
<p>“When residents support local food, they are supporting Phoenix communities as well as contributing to a more sustainable city," said Environmental Programs Administrator Nancy Allen. “When Phoenix businesses work together to produce, process and distribute food locally, they are also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."</p>
<p>In addition to connecting residents with local food options, the Phoenix Food Systems Program helps connect Phoenix residents with local farmers and food business owners with resources to grow food and operate a more sustainable business. It also empowers residents by educating them on how to grow their own produce. </p>
<p>Residents can learn more about the Phoenix: Let's Eat Local! campaign and see a directory of local eateries in various Phoenix areas by visiting <a href="/oep/phxeatlocal" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/oep/PHXeatlocal</a>. <br></p>
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| City of Phoenix Accepting Applications for a Free 10-Week Sustainable Cooperative Food Business | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2607 | Environment & Sustainability | | 12/19/2022 8:50:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2607/vet pic 5 .jpg | | City of Phoenix Accepting Applications for a Free 10-Week Sustainable Cooperative Food Business | <div class="ExternalClass5347286C34934C04B8244C0458D13407"><html>
<p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">The City of Phoenix and </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.thriveconsultancyinc.com/" style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;">Thrive Consultancy, Inc.</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> are partnering to launch their free 2023 spring </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.thriveconsultancyinc.com/training-program" style="background-color:window;font-size:10pt;">Sustainable Cooperative Food Business Training Program</a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> to Phoenix residents interested in collaborating to start a sustainable cooperative food business.</span></p>
<p>“This 10-week program is a great opportunity for local aspiring food entrepreneurs to connect and receive training at no cost. We are excited to be a part of a program that gives back to our community and supports sustainability," said Environmental Programs Administrator Nancy Allen. “Past participants have teamed up to design food-based businesses such as sustainable farms, food trucks, and more proving the value of the program." </p>
<p>During the program, participants will work with their peers to create business plans and develop start-up budgets and marketing pitches for a co-developed sustainable cooperative food business idea. Mentorship and business tools will be available to program attendees to help set them up for success. </p>
<p>Bi-weekly training sessions are held in downtown Phoenix beginning Jan. 30 through April 5 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. Only 25 spaces are open for the program and all participants must attend for all ten weeks to complete the program. </p>
<p>Interested applicants can visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thriveconsultancyinc.com/training-program#applications">Thrive Consultancy, Inc website</a> to apply by Jan. 15. <br></p>
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| Phoenix Awarded Global ‘A’ Rating for Bold Environmental Efforts | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/2571 | Environment & Sustainability | | 11/17/2022 9:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2571/Photo - Skyline -00772 (4).jpg | | Phoenix Awarded Global ‘A’ Rating for Bold Environmental Efforts | <div class="ExternalClass2655FD53F7FA4CE1BA218FE12A6E5483"><html>
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<p>The City of Phoenix is now one of 122 cities and counties globally to make the 2022 CDP A list for its environmental efforts led by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the Office of Environmental Programs. <br></p>
<p>“Combatting climate change is a top priority for me, and is essential to the future of Phoenix and those who plan to live here,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Knowing that our city is among the 12% of cities and counties to make the CDP A list confirms what we already know – we are on the right track.” <br></p>
<p>The CDP assessed over 1,000 cities and counties this year ranking them based on leadership in environmental action. Phoenix received a top score based on its public environmental, social and governance dashboard featuring sustainability metrics as well as its reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In addition to these efforts, Phoenix was recognized for assessing its climate risk and vulnerabilities along with creating a climate action plan to tackle environmental hazards. <br></p>
<p>Phoenix Mayor Gallego and City Council approved the climate action plan at a City Council meeting in Oct. 2021 to help combat climate hazards impacting Phoenix residents. The plan includes various strategies and procedures like increasing community-wide use of low carbon fuels, achieving net-zero GHG for municipal operations electricity use by 2030 and more.<br></p>
<p>“Researching vulnerabilities and climate hazards is an essential part of developing a climate action plan that works,” says Environmental Programs Administrator Nancy Allen. “We are continually improving and working towards becoming a more sustainable desert city.” <br></p>
<p>To learn more about the City’s climate action plan, visit phoenix.gov/oep. </p>
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