Back in 2009, a group of local food advocates came together with a mission to make locally grown food affordable for all Georgians.
After a meeting with Chef Michel Nischan, founder of a national organization called Wholesome Wave, these advocates founded a local chapter that focused on a “Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP),” which doubled the value of SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps) on locally grown food.
One of those advocates was Judith Winfrey. Among many other prestigious titles held since then, Judith is a co-owner of Love is Love Cooperative Farm.
Today, Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG) is it’s own organization, and the DVCP is known as Wholesome Wave Georgia Fresh for Less, but the mission is still the same: getting healthy food grown by local farmers to Georgia families in need.
What began in a few markets in Atlanta has grown to 70+ locations across Georgia, and now includes mobile markets and retail stores.
Since 2009, WWG has contributed $6.2 million to the local economy through our matching program (WWG Fresh for Less) and through our Produce Prescription program, also known as Wholesome Wave Georgia Food for Health.
But we wouldn’t be here without people like Judith.
We’re grateful for the vision of our founders, and the continued partnership we have with Love is Love Farm.
In addition to matching SNAP/EBT spending on produce grown by Love is Love Farm, we’ve also partnered on plant sales to help families in need grow more of their own fresh food.
The partnership is a win-win. Georgia families are empowered to buy more healthy food, while farmers like Judith increase their customer base by attracting shoppers who may otherwise be priced out.
Together, we’re growing a healthier Georgia. If you’d like to get involved, follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our e-newsletter, or join us at Southern Chefs Potluck on October 5 to help us raise funds in support of our mission.
