NEW ORLEANS — “We’re a city known for our food, but too many families still struggle to access healthy, affordable options. This investment helps us change that, by listening to our communities, supporting local growers, and building a food system that works for everyone,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “This is about equity, health, and making sure every New Orleanian has a seat at the table.”
This philanthropic investment will fund a two-year, community-driven planning process to create a citywide roadmap for expanding access to affordable, nutritious food while strengthening local food production. The plan will focus on advancing equity, supporting urban farms and community gardens, and building a more climate-resilient food system rooted in New Orleans’ unique culture.
“We know from our Community Health Assessment work that access to healthy, affordable food is among the most pressing challenges that residents face,” said Jeanie Donovan, Director of Public Health and Policy at the New Orleans Department of Health and Human Services. “The creation of this community-driven plan to organize collective action towards tackling food insecurity together is a huge step forward for New Orleans.”
“New Orleans has a long history of people growing their own food, food for their neighbors and to sell at market,” said Grace Treffinger, Urban Agriculture Liaison, City Planning Commission. “We’re excited to bring urban growers and land stewards to the center of developing this city plan. One of the primary focuses is aimed at removing barriers for urban agriculture and supporting a stronger local food system.”
Through robust community engagement, the City and its partners will identify food access challenges, pilot innovative programs, and develop actionable policy recommendations to drive long-term change. Residents, growers, and stakeholders will play a central role in shaping the plan, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of communities across New Orleans.
“Access to healthy, affordable, local food is fundamental to children’s health, family well-being and economic opportunity,” said W.K. Kellogg Foundation Program Officer Kathryn Parker. “We are proud to support the City of New Orleans and its community partners as they co-create a citywide urban food plan that articulates a vision for an equitable and climate-responsive food system that reflects the values and culture of New Orleanians.”
“New Orleans knows that food heals,” said Devin Wright, Deputy Director of Producers and Sustainability at Sprout. “Food heals community and agriculture can heal our environment. We look forward to working with partners across the city and across sectors to meaningfully name pathways to harness the power of food to heal and protect this place, its people, and our incredible culture.”
“Food is an essential part of New Orleans tradition and legacy,” said Samantha Fleurinor, Regional Director of the New Orleans Food Policy Council. “This plan will show how food is not only a cultural asset but also a powerful tool for solving our city’s many health, environmental, and social challenges. I am excited to see people across the city engage meaningfully in our local food system and conversations around food policy.”
The City will soon release a schedule of community meetings and engagement opportunities for the development of this plan. Residents interested in participating can sign up for updates by emailing urbanag@nola.gov.