Residents in west georgia continue to suffer disproportion burdens of poverty, food insecurity and chronic disease than other parts of the state and country, and many low-income consumers lack…

Residents in west georgia continue to suffer disproportion burdens of poverty, food insecurity and chronic disease than other parts of the state and country, and many low-income consumers lack knowledge of where to access healthy, affordable foods and how to use them nutritiously. Seeking to advance regional food security and community health in carroll, haralson and heard counties and further address identified community gaps and needs, tanner medical center, INC. And the west georgia regional food system collaborative (with more than 30 representatives from the local food industry, agricultural sector, schools and social agencies) mobilized members to create solutions to address the challenges regarding local food access, farm and nutrition issues. The ensuing four-year cfpcgp project work plan was designed to build upon the strengths of the west georgia regional food system collaborative, local networks and community organizations in order to: increase access to local healthy foods, particularly for vulnerable populations; increase awareness about food security and increase food knowledge and skills; and increase knowledge and resources for local farmers to develop and sustain successful agricultural enterprises. Project activities include: the development of a new farmers' market pavilion, centrally located at the intersection of five food desert census tracts in carroll county; working with area food pantries to improve the quality of food provided; implementing community-wide nutrition education programming, targeting low-income individuals; and providing comprehensive training programs to help local farmers strengthen their business skills and managerial capacity to establish, improve and sustain their operations.