When Atlanta’s City Council passed a resolution approving the nation’s first food forest, many critics scratched their heads thinking it wouldn’t work. An Atlanta food forest? No way, they said.
Indeed, the city is used to enormous plans shriveling up due to less than stellar community support or political infighting. But this time, it’s different.
Here is the location Of The Atlanta Food Forest
The city’s nonstop development has forced the hands of city planners to come up with a way to feed thousands of community residents stuck in food desserts around the city.
The location of the first food forest in the United States is 2217 Browns Mill Road, Atlanta, GA. 30315. Here’s a map to help you find the spot.
The Atlanta food forest will be bordered by the following addresses: 406 Rhinehill Rd SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30315.
The location’s Fulton County tax parcel ID numbers are 14-0038-0008-007-4 and 14-0038-0008-101-5 respectively.
The 7-acre plot used to be owned by the Morgans, a couple who farmed the land. In 2016, the Conservation Fund bought the property.
City officials have been meeting to come up with a solution to the city’s numerous food deserts, which are typically in disenfranchised areas of Atlanta.
The government defines a food desert as low-income communities located more than 1 mile from fresh fruits and vegetables. Fast food restaurants don’t count.
What Kinds Of Food Will Be Available In Atlanta’s Food Forest?
The Atlanta food forest will grow a variety of fresh produce, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms. All of the bounty will be available for public consumption.
The project has come to fruition thanks to a grant from the U.S Forest Service’s Community Forest Program.
Fruit-bearing trees were planted over the last year, much of it by local schoolchildren. Much of the food will be available for foraging by Atlanta residents for free.
How Harvest Works At The Food Forest
Participating neighborhoods will get to harvest first in the forest, then volunteers get garden food every Wednesday (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and second Saturday (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
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