GA Plant 2 Plate Program Invites SNAP Recipients Starter Plants

WOODSTOCK, GA — Households that recieve SNAP benefits are invited to get gardening supplies to grow their own food.

Local nonprofits Wholesome Wave Georgia and Food Well Alliance are partnering to empower families on SNAP benefits to grow their own food at home during the pandemic. Launched in April 2020, the Georgia Plant 2 Plate program invites SNAP recipients to purchase fruit and vegetable starter plants at half off — along with free gardening kits, including trowels, gloves, containers, healthy soil, and plant care guides, at designated local farms and markets.

The event will occur 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 3 at Trefoil Gardens, 122 Bascomb Drive, in Woodstock.

Georgia Plant 2 Plate provides SNAP recipients with reliable access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown food by growing their own fruits and vegetables at home. It also provides economic support to Georgia farms and markets by boosting EBT sales of locally grown plants.

Wholesome Wave Georgia connects food-insecure families with fresh food and health education through partnerships with local farmers markets and healthcare providers. They also offer free SNAP benefits assistance through screenings, enrollments, and renewals. Their programs support urban and rural farmers and contribute to Georgia’s local economy, with more than $3.1 million since 2009.

Food Well Alliance is a collaborative network of local leaders working to build thriving farms and gardens that enhance the health, vitality, and resilience of communities across metro Atlanta. The creation of Food Well Alliance was made possible through funding from our founding benefactor, the James M. Cox Foundation and through the vision of Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises, Inc., and Bill Bolling, founder of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Today, the Alliance serves more than 30 urban farms and 120 community gardens with labor and mechanical support, technical assistance, funding, compost, tools and more.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.