Construction of EnVision Food Forest

Tempe is transforming the landscape at the EnVision Center, adding a food forest on the east side of the building and a demonstration area for rainwater harvesting on the west side. The food forest will be a demonstration site to inspire community members to grow food and connect with nature. Food forests mimic how plants grow in a natural forest, with a tall canopy made by trees, an understory of shrubs, groundcover, and plants underground. The site will feature a variety of native and introduced plants, and raised garden beds where the community can get hands-on experience planting and harvesting produce. Monthly workshops and activities will start this summer. Sign up for the Local Foods Newsletter to get updates on how to get involved!

Share Your Thoughts on a Tempe Farmers Market!

Do you have ideas on what an open-air farmers market could look like in Tempe? We want to hear them! As part of our food systems work, the City Sustainability team has put together a short (7-minute) survey asking for your feedback on what you’d like to see sold, what activities you’d like to see, and where you think a farmers market should be held. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RM78CWK

¿Tiene ideas sobre cómo podría ser un mercado de agricultores al aire libre en Tempe? ¡Queremos escucharlos! Como parte de nuestro trabajo en sistemas alimentarios, el equipo de Sostenibilidad de la Ciudad ha preparado una breve encuesta  (de 7 minutos) pidiendo su opinión sobre lo qué gustaría ver vendido, qué actividades le gustaría ver y dónde cree que se debe celebrar un mercado de agricultores. https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/RM7HFT5

What is a community Food System?

A community food system is a network of processes that brings the food you eat from the farm to your plate (and beyond!). This system is composed of food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers -- everyone who creates, transports, or eats food plays an important role. This system shapes the way we live, how we eat, and how we are able to support members of our community. 

Source: Diagram courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Community Food Systems (fsn.usda.gov).

What is Urban Agriculture?

Urban Agriculture is the practice of growing, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas, and it is one of the City of Tempe's strategies to create a more sustainable food system. "Urban agriculture" can mean many different things -- urban farms, community gardens, food forests, school gardens, farmers' markets (and more!) are all types of urban agriculture. Click here to learn more about the different types of urban agriculture. 

Urban agriculture makes our community food system more equitable and resilient by increasing residents' access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food in their neighborhoods. The City of Tempe is working to advance food access and community well-being by developing new urban agriculture projects in schools, public spaces, and residential areas.  

Tell us what you think! 

The City of Tempe is interested in learning what matters to Tempe residents when it comes to accessing healthy food, food education, and urban agriculture. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts, which will help us develop food systems programs in the city. 

 Please note this survey is only open to Tempe residents. Click here to take the survey in English. If you prefer to take this survey in Spanish, click here.

The Sustainability & Resilience Division is focused on building a resilient food system in Tempe that is connected with local and regional food producers and growers, increases access to healthy food, and is grounded in the needs of the community.