The city of tempe is implementing a cooperative food business development program designed to empower residents and strengthen the regional food system

This initiative will transform a cityowned commercial kitchen space into a community kitchen equipping 80 tempe residents with the tools to establish and operate workerowned food processing businesses focused on developing valueadded goods from arizonagrown produce. The project anticipates the creation of new markets within tempe for these locally produced goods connecting farmers ranchers and processors with neighborhood food outlets. By facilitating direct producertoconsumer marketing the program aims to enhance access to regional agricultural products for consumers and build a more resilient food economy. The core of this endeavor involves the establishment of these businesses which will generate valueadded goods from regional produce benefiting stakeholders across the entire food value chain. The expected outcome is a thriving network of small food businesses supported by local demand and efficient distribution channels creating economic opportunities within the tempe community.