Recipient Organization
CITY OF TUCSON
255 W ALAMEDA ST
TUCSON,AZ 85701
Performing Department
Environmental & General Services
Non Technical Summary
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase food security by providing education and resources to encourage ongoing food production and foodwaste diversionin order to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on Southern Arizona. Working with our community partners, EGSD will collect food waste and facilitate the delivery of high-quality compost to residents, schools and community gardens involved in growing food for their communities.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
85%
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
15%
Goals / Objectives
The COT CFWRP will focus on three key priority areas to maximize its impact:1. Food Waste Reduction: The project will expand on existing efforts, such as the FoodCycle atHome Program, which began in January 2024 and currently serves 1,200 households. The nextphase of this initiative, the FoodCycle in the Community pilot, will specifically target lowincomeneighborhoods and Title 1 schools within the central Tucson zip codes 85701, 85705,85719, 85735, and 85756. By providing no-cost education, training, and resources, this programwill empower residents to reduce food waste at the source, diverting it from landfills andtransforming it into valuable compost.2. Compost Generation and Distribution: The project will leverage the Los RealesSustainability Campus (LRSC), a critical hub for the city's waste management, to processorganic waste into high-quality compost. This compost will be distributed to residents, schools,and community gardens in the targeted zip codes, improving soil health, reducing reliance onchemical fertilizers, and supporting local food production--key steps toward building a circulareconomy in Tucson.3. Climate Resilience and Community Empowerment: The COT CFWRP is designed toenhance Tucson's resilience to climate change by promoting sustainable waste managementpractices. By focusing on education and community engagement, the project will not onlyaddress immediate waste management needs but also foster long-term behavioral change,creating a culture of sustainability that can withstand future environmental challenges.To achieve these goals, the City of Tucson is partnering with key local organizations that bringvaluable expertise and community connections to the project. Tucson Unified School DistrictFood Services (TUSD FS) serves the second largest school district in Arizona and offersnutritious meals to an average of 35,000 students across more than 87 schools and communitycenters each day. Iskashitaa Refugee Network (IRN) was founded in 2003 and has a long historyof supporting Tucson's refugee and immigrant communities through innovative programs thataddress food insecurity and foster community integration. IRN's city-wide gleaning programrescues over 50 tons of produce annually and redistributing it to those in need. and providingopportunities for volunteerism, employment, and community engagement while promotingsustainable practices. The COT CFWRP is more than just a pilot project--it is a cornerstone ofTucson's strategy to build a sustainable, resilient future. By aligning with the executiveadministration's national climate resilience priorities, evaluating and documenting our successes,we will help ensure that our community is equipped and empowered to face the challenges of thefuture by building a model that can be adapted, scaled and replicated nationwide.
Project Methods
By means of this grant, EGSD will provide educational programs tailored to school aged children, and the community at large. Students will be provided a hands activities working in community gardens where they can witness circular economy from growing food, to proper disposal and using compost developed to nurish the gardens. Success of program will be measured through quanity of food waste diverted, measurement of contamination, and compost delivered.