Atlanta has just joined a handful of cities offering free food forests for food-scarce communities.
What We Know:
- A US Forest Service Grant partnered with the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Conservation Fund, and Trees Atlanta has created the nation’s largest free food forest. Since beginning the process in 2016, the team has transformed a dormant pecan farm into 7.1 acres of agricultural land with 2,500 pesticide-free edible and medicinal plants.
- According to CNN, the volunteer-run forest is located in the Browns Mill neighborhood of southeast Atlanta, just 10 minutes away from the airport. Here, the closest grocery store is about 30 minutes away.
- Sustainable America reports that there are now at least 70 free food forests around the country, including other urban cities like Seattle, Portland, and Asheville. The forest is a part of the city’s mission to provide healthy food within half a mile of 85% of Atlanta’s 500,000 residents by 2022.
“Access to green space and healthy foods is very important. And that’s a part of our mission,” said certified arborist, volunteer, and expert edible landscaper Michael McCord.
- Resources like the food forest are on the rise but remain a rare and essential element to support the community in Atlanta. A number of studies conducted by CNN show that 1 in 6 residence in Georgia faces food insecurity, 1 in 3 Browns Mill residents live below the poverty line, and 1 in 4 Atlantans live in food deserts.
City Councilwoman and supporter of the food forest, Carla Smith, said, “It’s really a park for everyone. Every time I go, there’s a community there that respects and appreciates fresh, healthy foods. There’s a mentality there that people know to only take what they need.”
