What Is Local Food System Planning?
A Local Food System Plan is a set of policy and program recommendations for a city to strengthen their local food system over the next 3-5 years.
Food Well Alliance leads an inclusive community engagement phase to gather residents’ input. Using that feedback, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Steering Committee develop a strategic plan to increase opportunities to access and grow local food in the city.
Food Well supports each plan with a $100,000 implementation grant package including $75,000 in cash and up to $25,000 in other in-kind resources such as compost deliveries, labor assistance at growing spaces, workshops, and volunteer events. Implementation funding will be distributed with the guidance of a Local Food and Agriculture Committee in each city.
Why Local Food System Planning?
Since 2018, Food Well has been working in partnership with the ARC to introduce Local Food System Plans to cities across our five-county service area. Our vision is to bring local governments together with growers and their communities to ensure that cities incorporate local food and agriculture into their plans for development. We have helped create and implement plans in five cities and are in the process of developing the first joint Local Food System Plan with the cities of Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto.
Program Focus Areas
Want to explore these focus areas more? See examples of how cities in our region with Local Food System Plans have implemented related strategies.
Our Local Food System Planning Cities
City of East Point
After a thorough exploration process in 2019, the City of East Point was selected to pilot the City Agriculture Plan. In 2021, East Point City Council adopted the region’s first City Agriculture Plan.
East Point approved the formation of a city-level Local Food Ecosystem Commission to guide the plan’s implementation and advise the Mayor and Council on matters related to local food and agriculture. The plan was funded by a $250,000 USDA Regional Food System Partnership grant.
City of Alpharetta
The City of Alpharetta adopted the region's second City Agriculture Plan in 2022. Since then, the city has opened two new seed libraries at Fulton County Library branches and established new school partnerships to teach agricultural knowledge to youth.
In June 2024, Alpharetta piloted its first community composting program and continues to execute implementation projects using a $75,000 grant from Food Well, matched by additional city funds.
City of Jonesboro
The City of Jonesboro was the third city to develop a City Agriculture Plan, the region’s first in Clayton County. Following an extensive community engagement phase and plan development, Jonesboro’s City Agriculture Plan was adopted in 2023.
Implementation began in 2024, in partnership with two local organizations, focusing on improving community garden infrastructure, enhancing food access, and providing educational opportunities.
City of Austell
In 2023, the City of Austell was selected to develop Cobb County's first City Agriculture Plan. Austell's strong vision for holistic community improvement and commitment to reducing health disparities through inclusive food policies and programs were key factors in their selection.
In 2024, Austell’s Mayor and City Council voted to formally approve Austell’s City Agriculture Plan and have prioritized the implementation of several upcoming projects
City of Clarkston
The City of Clarkston was selected as metro Atlanta’s fifth city to develop a Local Food System Plan. Clarkston has numerous active organizations focused on food and agriculture issues that can bring their strengths and experience to drive the planning process.
In 2025, the Clarkston Mayor and Council unanimously voted to approve Clarkston’s City Agriculture Plan. Now the city can begin the implementation phase.
Cities of Chattahoochee Hills & Palmetto
In 2026, the cities of Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto were jointly selected to develop the sixth Local Food System Plan. Through the Community Engagement Phase, six themes were identified.
The planning process kicked off in May 2026! Community members will have an opportunity to react to priorities and recommendations in the fall. Stay tuned to learn more about the upcoming plan development and how to stay involved.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact Sr. Policy & Planning Manager, Sarah Brown at sarah@foodwellalliance.org.
Local Food System Planning In The News
Our Funders
Funding for the Local Food System Plan (fka City Agriculture Plan) pilot initiative was made possible by The Zeist Foundation and the James M. Cox Foundation.
