Vegetable Grow Bags 2x Year at Club's MonthlyFree Fresh Produce Markets
The club's Big Impact initiatives include projects aimed at improving the health and vibrancy of our community over the long term. Free Fresh Produce Markets are held each month at a local park or other venue. The Big Impact committee sources fresh vegetables, fruits, and other healthy fresh foods through Second Harvest of South Georgia as well as direct from farmers and food providers. On average 230 households representing an estimated 920 individuals receive 20 t0 30 pounds of food products at the monthly produce drops. This year, an addition to the produce markets were vegetable plants, squash in October, tomatoes in March, which were given to more than 200 households along with other seedlings, growing tips, recipes, and other information (funded in part by District 6900 Community Grant). At each of our monthly markets, participants must complete a USDA TEFAP form verifying their total household income is at or below poverty level since some food given is sourced from USDA.
| Partner Involvement |
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| Partners for the project are Second Harvest of South Georgia, Envision Credit Union, Thomasville National Bank, and Boys and Girls Club. Support also comes from UGA Extension Service staff and local churches as well as individuals. Volunteers for market drops are club members and their families, Thomas University athletes, Boys and Girls Clubs members, and other groups and individuals from the community. Grow Bag partners are Thomas County Schools Agricultural Department students who plant and grow seedlings prior to grow bag giveaway and University of Georgia Extension staff members in Thomas County who advise on types of vegetables plants for the projects and growing suggestions as well. |
Fresh Produce loaded
Members and community volunteers load 25 lbs of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods into client's car.
Vegetable Grow Bags in October and March
Tomato plants in grow bags were given to recipients in October (squash) and March (tomatoes) to encourage growing food at home.