Wholesome Wave Georgia

Do you know anyone who uses Food Stamps/EBT/WIC? Have you ever tried to feed a family, or even yourself, using little more than what is given to you through SNAP benefits? If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, consider yourself lucky. If these words hit close to home, then you probably understand how difficult it is to eat at all, let alone healthily, on the budget given to those utilizing SNAP or WIC benefits. The Wholesome Wave Foundation seeks to help bring healthy food to all people despite their financial situations. 


Wholesome Wave Georgia received an initial $10,000 grant from the national organization. The local group, serving fiscally through Georgia Organics, decided to use the grant to double the value of EBT/WIC vouchers at local farmers markets. In other words, if someone swipes their EBT card for $5 they received $10 in tokens to spend at market. 


There are currently 7 Georgia markets who have the capabilities of doubling EBT/WIC: Athens Farmers Market, Battlefield Farmers Market, East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, Decatur Farmers Market, Peachtree Road Farmers Market, and Southwest Outdoor Organic Market/SWOON. The only requirement Wholesome Wave has for markets wishing to receive reimbursement is that they are grower-only markets with farmers who practice sustainable methods. 

Not only does this program benefit those who are utilizing SNAP/WIC benefits but it greatly impacts the local economy as well. When one person uses $1 of their EBT/WIC money, we give them another dollar. They spend $2 at the market. This money is going to a LOCAL business/farm who oftentimes spends most of their capital locally. This helps keep money in our immediate community. One Seattle based study found that for every $100 spent at a conventional grocery store only $25 stays within in the immediate surrounding areas. $75 goes up through the corporation and is then spread nationally. On the other hand, when $100 is spent at a farmers market this study says that $62 of those dollars are re-spent locally with a total local economic impact of $162. As the flowchart suggests, supporting independent, local business helps keep business taxes local as well.


Besides the economic impact, purchasing food at farmers markets helps the environment too. There are fewer and fewer farms and farmers now and many times farmlands are being stripped of their greenery and developed for other purposes. By supporting these few local farmers we have left you are also helping to preserve the farmland of your local landscape.


Supporting farmers markets is important for everyone, including those who are using SNAP/WIC benefits. By supporting Wholesome Wave, you are not only supporting local farmers but also allowing others the ability to access healthy foods while allowing them to  support the local economy too. 


For more information or to find out how you can help Wholesome Wave Georgia, please visit the website or our Facebook Page. Wholesome Wave operates on private funding only therefore the program can only continue through private donations. You can help by donating money (every dollar turns into two!), time, or by distributing flyers. 


Serenbe and Southern Foodways Alliance Skillet Brigade are hosting a low-key, casual “Sunday supper potluck” featuring southern chefs in Atlanta and surrounding areas. This even benefits Wholesome Wave Georgia. Please see the Facebook page for more information. There are only a few tickets left so hurry!