Atlanta faces a growing challenge of food insecurity, with too many families lacking consistent access to fresh, healthy food

Community Farmers Markets Inc. received a $235,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Food Safety and Agriculture under the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFDA 10.225) on September 15, 2025, with a completion date of September 14, 2026. The award supports an expansion of aggregated pop-up markets in Atlanta, Georgia that deliver locally grown produce directly to food-insecure neighborhoods while simultaneously providing training, mentorship, and financial support to small and mid-sized farmers and food entrepreneurs to strengthen their business operations and market reach.

The project delivers complementary services designed to address food insecurity and strengthen local agricultural economic activity. Key products and services include: (1) expanded pop-up market operations bringing fresh, locally sourced produce into underserved neighborhoods; (2) farmer and food entrepreneur training and mentorship programs to build business capacity; (3) educational programming including cooking classes, school-based nutrition lessons, and recipe demonstrations to promote healthy food choices; and (4) technical and financial support aimed at increasing produce sales, reducing farm waste, and building long-term sustainability of Atlanta's local food system. The initiative targets low-income families and communities most affected by food insecurity while generating economic opportunities for regional agricultural producers.

At the same time, small and mid-sized farmers in the region struggle to compete in a food system dominated by large distributors. This disconnect harms both communities and local agriculture: families miss out on nutritious meals, and farmers lose out on vital income. Strengthening the link between local farms and community food access is not just an agricultural issue – IT is central to building a healthier economy, reducing waste, and creating more resilient neighborhoods. This project addresses the problem by expanding a proven model of aggregated POP-up markets that bring locally grown produce directly into neighborhoods where healthy food is scarce. At the same time, the project provides training, mentorship, and financial support for farmers and food entrepreneurs so they can strengthen their businesses and reach more customers. Educational programs such as cooking classes, school-based nutrition lessons, and recipe demonstrations will help families make the most of fresh produce while encouraging healthier food choices.by connecting farms and communities in this way, the project aims to increase the number of families with access to fresh food, reduce waste from unsold farm produce, and boost the economic stability of local farmers. The long-term benefit will be a stronger, more resilient local food system that improves health, creates jobs, and helps ensure that atlanta communities – particularly those most affected by food insecurity – have the nourishment they need to thrive.