COVID19 Response Update: 3/31/2020

Photo taken by Caleb Jones at Truly Living Well Collegetown Farm.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Food Well Alliance has cancelled all events and convenings until June 1, 2020. During this time we are focusing our attention on allocating critical resources to our farm and garden partners and creating virtual experiences for metro Atlanta residents who want to remain engaged in the local food community. This blog will be updated with new resources and developments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also tune into our Instagram Live Stream on Friday at 1 pm for a recap and interviews with farmers and local food organizations.

Mobilizing Financial Support

In response to grower needs, Food Well Alliance is mobilizing $85,000 in funding and resources for farms and community gardens in metro Atlanta.

Recipients of our 2020 Community Garden Grants will be notified this week. Gardens were eligible to apply for a $1,500 grant, bulk compost delivery, or a three-bin compost system.

We will be announcing our plans to distribute emergency grant relief for farmers later this week.

Please note: Due to staffing issues, checks may take longer to arrive than usual. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Resources Added

Attention composters - the US Compost Council is hosting a webinar about composting during COVID19 on Wednesday, April 1 at 1 pm ET

Do you know any young people taking action? Pebbletossers, a youth service organization, is offering $1,000 grants for youth-led initiatives during COVID19. Applications are due Friday.

The Small Bites Adventure Club has added lots of videos to their new YouTube channel to help parents at home with schoolchildren.

View all farmer resources here.

Policy Update

Although we have received word from the City of Atlanta that paperwork will not be necessary to prove a farmer's status as an essential worker, we have created a document so farmers in our 5-county service area have something to show in case they are stopped by law enforcement. During these uncertain times, we felt it would be better to err on the side of caution. Documents will be sent to farms this week.

Greenhouse Party

Feeling cooped up? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re working to bring you a Greenhouse Party this Friday streamed live on Instagram. Stay tuned for details!