Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Ag 4.86

TLW was founded in 2006 by K. Rashid Nuri to meet the fresh food needs of families in the local Atlanta community. The objective was to bring nutritionally-rich, fresh-picked produce to local residents through a community supported agriculture program. Rashid tapped Eugene Cooke, a master farmer with international training, to help develop sustainable urban farms in Metro Atlanta. In 2007, TLW received non-profit status. The work of TLW then expanded to include agricultural education and training. The Truly Living Well Center builds communities by providing healthy food, agricultural education and job creation. Our model supports urban economic development through growth of local businesses.

TLW is a model for a local sustainable food system. Creating food abundance is the foundation for community food security and self-sufficiency. Truly Living Well demonstrates the viability of producing high quality, naturally grown fruits and vegetables in the urban environment. Our five farm sites in Metro Atlanta produce Certified Naturally Grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and other added-value products. Our model establishes the transformative power of urban agriculture. Truly Living Well demonstrates the potential of a renewed paradigm – the local food economy.

Our staff has grown from two to over thirty people. In addition, hundreds have been trained by TLW in urban agriculture practices. More than 4,000 people visit TLW annually. We host educational programs that involve young people of all ages. Partnerships and collaborations with area colleges, universities, school systems and other organizations provide opportunities for everyone to connect with the land.