JONESBORO — In an effort to address food equity, wellness, economic vitality, and other issues, the Jonesboro City Council approved an Agricultural Plan during its regular meeting on Nov. 13.
Last December, Jonesboro was selected to take part in the program and for most of 2023, the Food Well Alliance has worked with city staff and other civic leaders to craft a comprehensive agricultural plan for the city.
According to a presentation at the council’s Nov. 6 work session, Jonesboro received a $75,000 Food Well Alliance Implementation Grant.
Jonesboro is obligated to provide $75,000 in in-kind support for the program.
In addition to that grant, a $250,000 USDA Food Projects Grant has been applied for.
“We’re so honored to have this on our side of town,” Jonesboro Mayor Donya Sartor said during the Nov. 6 work session.
According to the presentation, the program increases access to local food and increases residents’ ability to grow local food, invests in the local economy, promotes health equity and wellness, and promotes sustainability.
Some of the goals include expanding youth education, expanding partnerships for senior nutrition, building a fleet of mobile markets, setting up a “take what you need” table at the city’s Farmers Market, and offering cooking and food preserving classes.
One of the recommendations from the Nov. 6 meeting was for the city to hire a part-time or full-time community food projects manager.
“I’m excited about this program,” City Council Member Tracey Messick said. “I love the idea of having a grant to keep funding this.”
Other cities that have the program include East Point and Alpharetta.
“It’s a great report,” Interim City Manager David Allen said. “We just need to start slowly working on it to bring some of those ideas to reality.”
Also discussed during the Nov. 6 meeting was…
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