Chattahoochee Hills & Palmetto Selected for the Region’s Next Local Food System Plan!
Food Well Alliance and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) are excited to announce that we have jointly selected the cities of Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto as the 2026 Local Food System Plan awardees. For years, both Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto have been working to strengthen local food production and access. That ongoing dedication, along with their proximity and potential for leveraging existing resources, sparked a unique opportunity to launch a joint planning venture.
Over the next year, Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto will co-create a strategic plan for strengthening the local food system by engaging residents, growers, community organizations, and city staff to identify priorities and identify practical next steps. The cities will receive a $100,000 implementation grant package including a $75,000 cash grant plus $25,000 of in-kind support to launch community-driven projects that support local growers and expand access to healthy, locally grown food.
Want to get involved? Follow Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto’s journey and share your voice in upcoming community conversations and surveys.
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, 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 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.
The community engagement phase officially wrapped up in May 2025. Now, Clarkston’s Steering Committee has entered the planning phase, working to shape a community-driven plan.
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.
