A neglected pecan farm in Atlanta has been transformed into a groundbreaking solution to food insecurity: the country’s largest free food forest. Located near the Lakewood-Browns Mill community—a designated food desert where one-third of residents live below the poverty line—the project offers free access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs while fostering community engagement and environmental education.
A Forest That Feeds and Flourishes
What was once an abandoned plot is now a lush, vibrant space brimming with over 100 fruit and nut trees, sprawling vegetable gardens, and thriving mushroom beds. The forest is designed using permaculture principles to mimic the layers of a natural ecosystem, blending canopy trees, shrubs, ground covers, and vines. This approach maximizes productivity and biodiversity, offering apples, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and more—all free to the public.
“This project flips the traditional farming model upside down,” explains Mike McCord from Trees Atlanta, one of the initiative’s key partners. “Instead of rows of monocultures, this forest layers food sources like a natural forest does, making it both sustainable and resilient.”
Community at the Heart of the Forest
In addition to freely available produce, the forest features community garden plots for residents to grow their own food, walking trails for recreation, and educational programs for all ages. The Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill hosts classes on healthy eating, sustainable gardening, and even birdwatching, fostering a deeper connection to nature and food among locals.
The project builds on the legacy of the land’s original owners, Ruby and Willie Morgan, who often left produce for neighbors to take. This spirit of generosity is now amplified on a much larger scale.
Tackling Food Deserts in Atlanta
Atlanta faces significant challenges with food accessibility, compounded by poor public transportation. Roughly half of the city’s residents live in areas where fresh food is hard to find. This seven-acre forest is a step toward addressing that gap. While not a comprehensive solution, it sets an inspiring precedent.
“We know this won’t feed an entire food desert, but the impact is still monumental,” says Stacy Funderburke of the Conservation Fund. “It’s a model that can be replicated across the city.”
A Growing Movement
Since opening, the forest has thrived, thanks to dedicated volunteers and partnerships with local schools. Students visit for outdoor learning opportunities, while community members pitch in to maintain the land. By minimizing staffing and relying on local involvement, the forest has kept operating costs low while ensuring a strong sense of ownership among neighbors.
The success has already sparked interest in expanding the concept. The Atlanta Parks Department is exploring the possibility of creating more free food forests throughout the city.
A Vision for the Future
The forest’s long-term impact goes beyond providing food; it creates a space for relaxation, connection, and empowerment. With durable fruit trees like apples and nectarines chosen for their longevity, this forest is built to serve generations. The ultimate goal? A network of similar forests spread across Atlanta, bringing fresh, free food to every community in need.
“This is just the beginning,” says Funderburke. “Imagine five or six of these food forests across the city. The land is there—it’s about showing what’s possible.”
Atlanta’s food forest isn’t just a solution for today; it’s planting seeds for a healthier, more sustainable future.