Now Accepting Applications for the Next Local Food System Plan!
In partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Food Well Alliance works with city governments and residents to develop inclusive and equitable Local Food System Plans. The 2025 application cycle is now open through November 14 for cities in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. This year we’re offering our largest implementation support package ever! In addition to the $75k grant, Food well is now offering $25k in in-kind support through our Resource Center programs.
Learn more and get started by downloading the application guide or connecting with our Policy & Planning team at one of our upcoming events.
The deadline to apply is Friday, November 14, 2025.
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. The process brings local governments and community members together to plan how local food and agriculture can be part of their city’s future development. Through meaningful community engagement, residents and community partners help shape how local food is integrated into existing city plans and programs. Since launching in 2019, Food Well and ARC have partnered with East Point, Alpharetta, Jonesboro, Austell, and Clarkston to establish Local Food System Plans.
Why create a Local Food System Plan?
A healthy, sustainable local food system can bring social, economic, and environmental benefits to a community, but these benefits don’t happen automatically. Planning brings structure and strategy to local food system growth. Cities can support healthy communities by working to ensure access to nutritious food, preserve green spaces, and create opportunities to gather, learn, and grow together.
Application Resources
Local Food System Plan Application Guide
Download the guide before you apply! It’s your key resource for a successful application, with:
A detailed overview of the program goals and focus areas
Eligibility criteria and application requirements
Roles and responsibilities of partners
Implementation success stories from prior cities
Program timeline and important deadlines
Answers to frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Local Food System Planning Process?
We're offering two opportunities to learn more about Local Food System Planning and connect with the Policy & Planning team.
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 2023, 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 with local residents and Old Rucker Farm. The city 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 next city to develop a City Agriculture Plan, the region’s first in Clayton County. Following an extensive community engagement phase, Jonesboro's Steering Committee, Food Well, and ARC developed a City Agriculture Plan that 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 by Food Well and the ARC 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
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.
