PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix announced on Thursday the start of their backyard gardening program, which allows some residents of the valley to take part in a year-long commitment to grow healthy foods from the comfort of their homes. Through the free program, which will accept up to 90 applicants, the city aims to help residents improve their health, promote physical activity, reduce food insecurity and hunger, and reduce their food budgets, the website says. The participants choose between one of three garden systems, including aquaponics, educational garden or traditional raised bed, and receive 12 months of training and further education support. To qualify, Phoenix residents must live within the boundaries of the following urban villages: Estrella, Laveen, Maryvale, and South Mountain. You must also be a homeowner or a tenant, with the landlord’s permission to join the program and meet the income requirements. In addition, priority will be given to people residing in or near food deserts within designated project areas. Applications are due by the end of the day on November 15th. Participants are expected to pay for water and electricity for the gardens as needed and to participate in data collection. We want to hear from you. Do you have a story idea or a tip? Forward it to the KTAR news team here.
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