The amount families paying for food as a percentage of disposable income has reached a level not seen for more than three decades, forcing many families to make tough decisions about the types of food they buy.
In times like this, the work of Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG) is even more important.
"We don't want families to have to give up healthy choices," says Will Sellers, WWG's executive director. "We believe in a different direction, embracing a mission to make fresh, healthy, locally grown food affordable and available to all Georgians."
WWG makes fresh, healthy, locally grown produce affordable and available to Georgians in need through partnerships with more than 100 statewide partners, including farmers markets, farm stands, brick-and-mortar retailers, and healthcare providers. Its signature program — Fresh for Less — is building a defense to rising food costs, providing paths that ensure all Georgians have the opportunity to eat healthy food.
The Fresh for Less program matches SNAP/EBT dollars — commonly referred to as food stamps — dollar for dollar for produce at participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and retailers. When you spend $10, you get an extra $10 to spend on fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Families pay less for fresh and local food that is higher quality and more nutritious.
"Our programs knit together a network of farmers, neighbors, and community partners who believe affordable access to healthy food options creates a more inclusive, nourishing, and loving food system that empowers families," said Will, adding that more than 1.4 million Georgians are considered food-insecure and receive federal nutrition assistance including SNAP benefits.
Since 2009, WWG has contributed $5.5 million in economic impact to communities around the state. Since 2020, WWG has seen a 96% growth in use of this dollar-for-dollar match in Georgia and a 133% growth in SNAP shoppers, a clear demonstration of the need for WWG's increased state outreach.
"We're optimistic about the opportunities for Georgia families to obtain healthy food in a cost-effective way," said Will.
"With the community's help and a lot of hard work we can overcome rising costs and continue to provide healthy food to those who need and deserve it."
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