Did you know that people who live in food deserts have a life expectancy of almost five years less than people who live in high-access areas?
Our restaurant, Southern National, is located in Summerhill. A few years ago, that would have easily qualified as a food desert. Now, with significant investment in housing, transportation, restaurants, and a new grocery store, Summerhill is a thriving neighborhood.
But far too many Georgians live in neighborhoods like the old Summerhill, where they’re lucky if their corner store has fresh bananas.
I recently had the honor of serving as the Chef Host at Wholesome Wave Georgia’s annual fundraiser, Southern Chefs Potluck. I got to work with a lot of talented chefs who are just as passionate as I am about creating great food using fresh ingredients from local farmers.
Together, we helped WWG raise over $200,000 to help Georgia families get fresh food and more of it.
At the event, we learned how WWG doubles the value of SNAP/EBT on local food purchases. Instead of shopping at a corner store with canned goods and expired ramen noodles, participants in their program shop at farmers markets with an abundance of fresh, healthy produce – and their money goes twice as far.
Not only does it help the local economy by supporting small, independent farmers, it also improves our public health by reducing diet-related diseases like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
In fact, people who are food insecure incur an average of $2,000 more in health expenses every year.
After the event, it really hit home what a ripple effect this fundraiser has. Yes, it’s helping to solve an immediate hunger problem, but it’s also increasing life expectancy and reducing healthcare costs – all while supporting family farmers.
Supporting WWG is truly a win-win. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization, and I hope you’ll consider supporting them when Giving Tuesday comes around on Dec. 3.
