Growing Together: Planning for the Future of Local Food
/As we move through the last quarter of the year into a new holiday season, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude. As the Executive Director at Food Well Alliance, I get to work alongside an incredible team of staff who approach their jobs with passion and ingenuity. But Food Well Alliance extends far beyond our team; this alliance is ever-evolving into a powerful network of growers, community and city leaders who are collectively strengthening metro Atlanta’s local food system. I believe our efforts will not only leave a lasting mark here, but pave the way for other cities.
When I reflect on what we’ve accomplished together in 2019, I’m in awe. Some of my favorite highlights?
Witnessing the overwhelming response from seven cities when our Policy & Planning team was seeking a city to pilot metro Atlanta’s first City Agriculture Plan with Atlanta Regional Commission.
Having so many growers attend BCS tractor trainings hosted by our Resource Center team to borrow tractors through our partnership with the Atlanta Community ToolBank
Seeing smiles on more than 1500 people’s faces as they explored the farm at Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture during this year’s Soil Festival organized by our Events & Experiences team
Next year, Food Well Alliance will celebrate five years. As we approach this milestone and anticipate the important work ahead, we’ll be reaching out for increased support from our growing coalition. It will be critical to raise awareness and new sources of funding to ensure that community gardens and urban farms are not just a trend but rather a permanent part of metro Atlanta’s future. One way you can help now through November 15 is to make a donation to Food Well Alliance through our GIVE Atlanta campaign. Whether you contribute $10, $100, $1,000 - or more - you’ll be part of the imprint we’ll leave on metro Atlanta cities. Can I count on you to give?
My very best,
Kim Karris
Executive Director
Food Well Alliance
