Food Well Alliance is a collaborative network of local leaders working together to build thriving community gardens and urban farms across metro Atlanta. Our mission is to provide resources and support to local growers to connect and build healthier communities. Our vision is for an equitable, local food ecosystem in which everyone can participate and benefit. In 2015, Jim Kennedy, chair of Cox Enterprises, and Bill Bolling, founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, had an idea to build healthier communities across metro Atlanta by connecting and supporting members of our local food movement. Food Well Alliance exists to bring this vision to life. Today, we support more than 120 community gardens and 35 urban farms in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties. Since 2015, Food Well Alliance has engaged thousands of people annually around the issues of local food and has provided more than $4 million in direct resources to nearly 200 farms, gardens and local food organizations across our 5-county service area. We have turned farmers into entrepreneurs, community gardeners into vocal neighborhood leaders, and citizens into champions for healthy soil. Food Well Alliance accomplishes its work through two primary program areas: 1. Resource Center - We provide centralized resources to build a supportive ecosystem for thriving community gardens and urban farms. We accomplish this work through 5 areas of support: Knowledge (e.g. trainings and workshops), Volunteer and Labor Support, Compost, Tools & Equipment, and Capacity Building Grants (for urban farms, community gardens, and community food organizations). 2. Policy & Planning - We bring local government leaders together with community and local food leaders to develop plans that bring urban agriculture into city planning processes similar to a housing or transportation plan. We accomplish this work primarily through our City Agriculture Planning, in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission.
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We had an amazing day yesterday with Mercedes-Benz USA at Hyde Farm Park! 100+ volunteers planted blueberry bushes, mulched fruit trees, tackled invasive plant species, sharpened tools, and gave the community garden a refresh for fall! A huge thank you to the Mercedes-Benz team! Support from volunteers helps keep farms and gardens like Hyde Farm thriving!
Food Well is seeking a Programs Intern for the Fall 2024 through Spring 2025 season to support our organization's Resource Center programs. The Programs Intern will immerse themself in the local food and urban agriculture movement and gain diversified experience in a variety of programs. Additionally, they will learn fruit, vegetable, and nut production techniques and distribution models, become acquainted with the operating structure of small nonprofits, and develop data collection skills. Ideal candidates should be hands-on, flexible, self-directed, and a good team player. Data management and surveying experience is preferred. Learn more and apply before the application deadline on October 16.
Applications for the next City Agriculture Plan are now open! But before you hit submit, join us at one of our open house events to learn everything you need to know about application requirements and timelines. Discover how a City Agriculture Plan could benefit your city. In-Person Open House Wednesday, October 23 11 am - 1 pm 970 Jefferson St NW Virtual Open House Wednesday, November 6 10 am - 11 am Zoom Atlanta Regional Commission #cityagplan
Last week, we joined Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, and several other local partners for the Green & Healthy Schools kickoff at Brookwood High School. It’s amazing to see all the initiatives taking place to engage students in gardening, composting, recycling, reducing food waste, improving water quality, and more!
It's time to bring City Ag Planning to a new city! Food Well Alliance and Atlanta Regional Commission are excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the next City Ag Plan. Cities in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties are welcome to apply. Kickstart your journey by reviewing the application and then join us on Oct. 23 for our Open House at 970 Jefferson St. Review the application process and check out helpful resources on our website. #CityAgriculturePlan
Now Hiring! Food Well is looking for a reliable and energetic Volunteer Coordinator to support and grow our volunteer program. The Volunteer Coordinator will work with the Resource Center and Development teams manage and improve FWA’s volunteer program in line with the organization’s strategic initiatives. Applications are due on September 23.
Our collaborative hub has a new digital destination! Visit 970jefferson.org to learn more about the mission-aligned nonprofits that call our headquarters home and find ways to give or get help. Hands On Atlanta Westside Future Fund Urban Recipe Giving Kitchen Atlanta Beltline Partnership Second Helpings Atlanta (SHA)
The Food Well Alliance Impact Report highlights the significant support we provided, thanks to help from the metro Atlanta community. We provided more resources for growers, expanded our educational offerings through workshops and trainings, started the next City Agriculture Plan in Austell, and planted orchards that will provide food for years to come. You can learn more about all we were able to accomplish by downloading the impact report. https://lnkd.in/eACDTYZc
Food Well is hiring! We're looking for an Agriculture Education Manager to develop and manage various programs aimed at supporting farmers, community gardeners and orchard stewards in FWA’s service area. In addition, the Agriculture Education Manager will work with staff to expand educational opportunities with a goal of reaching new audiences. If you're interested in applying, submit your application this week.