Mableton Seeks Funding to Support Local Agriculture
Cobb Courier - Your Source for Local News
By: Larry Felton Johnson
October 31, 2026
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The City of Mableton is applying for funding to support local agriculture through the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Food Well Alliance (FWA).
At the October 28th City Council meeting, council members approved a resolution to apply for a "Local Food System Planning Grant." This grant aims to connect local governments, growers, and communities to strengthen their local food system over the next 3-5 years.
If selected, Mableton will receive a $100,000 implementation grant package, including a $75,000 grant and $25,000 in-kind support from FWA. The city must match this with a $75,000 in-kind contribution, primarily through staff time and use of city facilities.
The city's proposal includes:
- Community Garden: A location for the garden is still undecided, according to Emily Ryan, Mableton's director of Sustainability, Greenspace, and Beautification.
- Expanded Farmers Markets: Building upon a previous proposal, the city aims to create a mobile market that rotates between council districts.
- Local Food Supply Opportunities: Involving various community groups to enhance local food access.
This is the third time Mableton has applied for this grant. Past proposals included a mobile farmers market, a community kitchen/food business incubator, community gardens in each district, school garden support, agricultural education programs, a composting pilot program, and a Mableton Agricenter combining teaching farms, training spaces, and community gathering areas.