James M. Cox Foundation Extends Commitment to Grow Local Food - Metro Atlanta CEO

When James M. Cox Foundation Chairman Jim Kennedy envisioned local food as a tool to build community in 2015, he reached out to Atlanta Community Food Bank Founder Bill Bolling. Together they saw an opportunity to support and connect gardeners and farmers, and Atlanta nonprofit Food Well Alliance was born. Since then, the Cox Foundation has committed more than $16.7 million in funding, including a new donation to Food Well Alliance of $2.1 million.

This significant commitment from the Cox Foundation has empowered Food Well Alliance to strengthen metro Atlanta’s local food system over the past seven years through a growing network of community gardens and urban farms. The nonprofit has supported growers at 195 gardens and farms in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. The latest round of funds are coming at a time when they are especially needed.

Jim Kennedy says it has been rewarding to see the impact gardens have had on communities. “Food Well Alliance is connecting growers, gardeners and farmers who provide locally grown food to the people in their communities,” said Kennedy. “We are proud to support their efforts.”

Read the full press release on Metro Atlanta CEO.