SLC Food Microgrant Program Opens Applications for Fourth Year

Grants provide funding for individuals and organizations to grow and distribute fresh, local food in Salt Lake City.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The SLC Food Microgrant program is now open for its fourth year, providing $250 microgrants to individuals and households, and up to $5,000 grants to community organizations in Salt Lake City to establish food growing projects, conduct inclusive outreach, improve dignified food access, and create healthy food environments. The program is funded by the Salt Lake City Council with a $50,000 budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Why it matters

The SLC Food Microgrant program aims to empower residents and community groups to take an active role in increasing access to fresh, locally-grown food in Salt Lake City neighborhoods. This grassroots approach helps address food insecurity and promotes community-driven solutions for healthy, sustainable food systems.

The details

The SLC Food Microgrant program is open to individuals, households, local businesses, and community organizations in Salt Lake City. Grantees can use the funds to start or expand food growing projects, conduct outreach to underserved populations, improve dignified food access, and create healthier food environments. In 2025, the program awarded grants to 96 individuals/households and 12 community groups. One past recipient noted the project 'reminded me that food is a powerful way to support one another and build relationships'.

  • The SLC Food Microgrant program opened applications on February 9, 2026.
  • The application deadline is March 2, 2026 at 12pm.

The players

Erin Mendenhall

The Mayor of Salt Lake City, who oversees the Sustainability Department that administers the SLC Food Microgrant program.

Salt Lake City Council

Approved a $50,000 budget for the SLC Food Microgrant program in the 2026 fiscal year.

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What they’re saying

“Our community has the knowledge and skill to put healthy, local, and culturally relevant food on our tables and those of our neighbors. These grants act as small, but important catalysts to help make that happen.”

— Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City

“[The project funded by this grant] reminded me that food is a powerful way to support one another and build relationships, and this project has given me the opportunity to contribute something nourishing and tangible to the people around me.”

— Anonymous, Past SLC Food Microgrant Recipient

What’s next

The application deadline for the 2026 SLC Food Microgrant program is March 2nd at 12pm. Successful applicants will be notified in the following weeks.

The takeaway

The SLC Food Microgrant program demonstrates how a small amount of funding can empower residents and community groups to take an active role in increasing access to fresh, locally-grown food in their neighborhoods. This grassroots approach helps address food insecurity and promotes community-driven solutions for healthy, sustainable food systems.