COVID19 Response Update: 4/7/2020

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

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.

Communities of metro Atlanta that have been historically denied access to resources feel the effects of a crisis, like the COVID-19 Pandemic, faster and harder than others. Atlanta's Westside, Southwest, Southside and Tri-cities communities have the potential to be impacted more than others, as traditional food access points close. 

To this end, Food Well Alliance has announced its first round of stimulus grants to all farmers growing fresh food in these critical neighborhoods. This will provide immediate unrestricted support to urban farmers working to provide healthy, immune-boosting food to the communities who need it most. Farmers can utilize these funds for whatever purpose best serves their needs at this time. Food Well Alliance is committed to ensuring that urban growers doing the revolutionary work of growing healthy, nutritious food have access to resources to get through this unprecedented time.

Additionally, recipients of our 2020 Community Garden Grants were notified on Tuesday. Gardens were eligible to apply for a $1,500 grant, bulk compost delivery, or a three-bin compost system.

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

Labor Support for Farms and Gardens

While we cannot offer volunteer support at this time, the incredible team of Fred and Flannery are still available to support farms and gardens! Garden and farm members are not required to be present during projects, but please be prepared to provide a task list upon scheduling your appointment. Food Well Alliance is able to offer the following services: Plowing and tilling, cultivation, and weed removal with mowers and/or weed-eaters. Please contact gardens@foodwellalliance.org for more information!

Resources Added

Global Growers has been hard at work preparing food safety videos for farmers and markets.

View all farmer resources here.