A bold new farm-to-school initiative is transforming the way Georgia schools feed their students and revitalizing the state’s rural economy in the process. The Georgia ACRE Collective’s Local Foods Incentive School Pilot Program, launched in 2023 and led by The Common Market Southeast, is proving that fresh, local food belongs in school cafeterias –– and on state economic agendas.

In just two years, the pilot has funneled nearly $128,000 into Georgia’s local food economy, connecting 37 small-scale farms with school cafeterias and delivering 67,000 pounds of locally sourced food across three districts: Atlanta Public Schools, Marietta City Schools, and Rockdale County Public Schools. Together, these districts serve over 74,000 students.

“This program is proof that when we invest in local food systems, everyone wins,” said Emily Hennessee of the Georgia ACRE Collective. “Schools become community anchors—driving health, education, and economic resilience.”

The pilot program isn’t just about better ingredients. It’s about building better systems. With training for school nutrition staff, culturally relevant menus, and student-led taste tests, the initiative is creating sustainable, student-focused food service models that support both well-being and local farmers.

Farmers like Howard James of Jibbs Vineyard see the benefits firsthand: “When our farm thrives, we hire local workers. When we deliver to schools, kids eat better. It’s a full-circle system that keeps Georgia strong.”

The Georgia ACRE Collective views the program as a replicable model for statewide change. With continued investment, it could redefine school nutrition and economic development across Georgia, nourishing students and communities alike.

For more information, visit https://www.thecommonmarket.org/locations/the-common-market-georgia