AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Augusta Locally Grown continues to find ways to bring fresh produce to people who may not have access to it.
Augusta locally Grown’s online market is open, where you can get fresh produce all year round.
The market launches on Friday at noon and wraps up on Sunday at 9 PM. Customers can collect their orders on Tuesday between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This online market initiative was introduced to provide producers a year-round selling platform and to tackle challenges in specific regions known as food deserts or food swamps.
“Every dollar we spend with a local farmer,” stated Chuck Simpson, Program Director of Augusta Locally Grown. “It amplifies the economy by $10. We consider this an excellent way not only to enhance our health but also to support our community.”
Since its inception 6 years ago, their online market has experienced substantial growth. Pickup points include the HUB on Chafee Avenue in Augusta, the Boy Scout Camp in Evans, and First Baptist Church in Harlem. A new pickup spot will open next week at the Dearing town hall. They are also planning to revive their North Augusta location and expand to Grovetown and potentially Hephzibah.
“We’ve been able to spread beyond just right here in the HUB area. We’ve been able to push out in Columbia County, Even McDuffie County, and into South Carolina. So, we’ve been able to reach a lot of different areas where people are unable to access fresh, local foods,” said Simpson.
They are currently working towards making their online market SNAP-eligible.
“It drastically increases the access that we’re able to provide. Also, it really helps the producers reach a larger market,” said Simpson.
You can purchase from the online market on Augusta Locally Growns Website.
