Bridget Pettis Founder, Project Roots AZ As a former player and coach for the WNBA, Bridget Pettis relied on good nutrition to help her do her best on the court. But growing up in east Chicago taught her that for many, access to healthy food is a luxury. “All too often, the most vulnerable among us are left to eat junk or go hungry,” says Pettis, whose WNBA career began in 1997 when she was drafted in the first round by the Phoenix Mercury. “From this awareness, I was inspired to not only grow my own food, but to teach others how to grow.” Through founding Project Roots AZ (www.projectrootsaz.org), Pettis aims to address the lack of nutritious foods in urban areas while promoting a healthier and more sustainable way of life. In its first year, the nonprofit has established two community gardens, located in South and Central Phoenix, which allow youth and families to learn about healthy choices through various educational outreach programs. The nonprofit also aids the homeless population by providing hygiene items, clothing, and shelter as well as distributing cooked meals through a mobile soup kitchen. To support these initiatives, Project Roots AZ sells fruits and vegetables in seasonal produce bags (with free delivery to Scottsdale and Phoenix residents), at Uptown Farmers Market, and through a garden box program that equips growers to establish a flourishing home garden. For Pettis, taking time off the court for the season was a necessary step in expanding Project Roots AZ. This summer, after a professional career of over 20 years, Pettis stepped down from her role as an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky to focus on eliminating food deserts and increasing the accessibility of healthy foods – a decision she calls a “growmotion.” “I want to give my time to educate my community,” Pettis says. “I’m going to keep getting my hands dirty and acquire more farmland that will allow us to reach out to those in need.”
52
So Scottsdale! November ‘20