Flint River Fresh to focus on local seniors in Response to COVID-19 

ALBANY, Ga. – The Fresh Produce Box Program is expanding its community impact through a collaborative partnership between Flint River Fresh and SOWEGA Council on Aging. On July 1st, Flint River Fresh hosted a produce and meal voucher giveaway for seniors served through the SOWEGA Council on Aging. The Council serves 14 counties and over 67,000 seniors. Additionally, the Flint River Fresh Community Farm Stand will open the Seniors Only Farm Fresh Market on July 8th and 22nd.

On Wednesday, July 1st, the partnership between the Fresh Produce Box Program and SOWEGA Council on Aging hosted its first produce and meal voucher giveaway for seniors at the Phoebe Community Garden site in Albany.

The Council provided direct outreach and raised awareness of this event. Dozens of seniors drove up and for their curbside pick-up of bountifully packaged Georgia grown corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and more.

The COVID-19 crisis created unique barriers to accessing healthy food. The SOWEGA Council on Aging helps fill the gap of unmet needs for seniors in the region, including meal provisions.

Source: Flint River Fresh Facebook

The Flint River Fresh curbside pick-up service for pre-packaged fresh fruits and vegetables reduces barriers to accessing healthy food options for seniors while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The partnership increased the opportunities for vulnerable community members to keep farm-fresh produce in their diets.

Upcoming senior-focused events include the Seniors Only Farm Fresh Market on July 8th and 22nd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Phoebe Community Garden site, 209 5th Avenue, Albany.

Seniors, especially those with mobility issues, are invited to shop curbside or in socially distanced lines for Georgia Grown fruits and vegetables. The first 25 seniors to arrive will receive a free bag of fresh produce. For more information about this market, pre-orders, and ongoing support to seniors sponsored by the Flint River Fresh Community Farm Stand, email info@flintriverfresh.org.

Consistent with Flint River Fresh’s goal to deliver pathways to healthy eating, vulnerable community members are given the resources to prepare healthier meals that support stronger immune systems.

The mission of the Fresh Produce Box Program in response to COVID-19 is to serve individuals impacted by the pandemic as well as support local farms and restaurant businesses. Donations to the Fresh Produce Box Program have supported more than 1000 fresh produce boxes and 895 locally sourced hot meals in the Albany Metropolitan Area. Small businesses that might benefit from the program should email info@flintriverfresh.org.

Over recent weeks, the Produce Box Program has supported and celebrated community homegrown heroes including first responders, hospitality staff, medical professionals, local law enforcement, public works divisions, and United States Postal Service mail carriers. Flint River Fresh will continue to serve these local heroes while partnering with local organizations such as the SOWEGA Council on Aging to expand impact.

Please visit www.flintriverfresh.org/covid19 for more about Flint River Fresh’s response to COVID-19. Learn how to support the Fresh Produce Box Program and Community Farm Markets. Donations are accepted and appreciated in the form of sanitation supplies including disinfectants, gloves, face masks, and monetary. Accommodations for delivery or pick-up of donations can be arranged by emailing info@flintriverfresh.org.

A grant from the United Way of Southwest Georgia has contributed to the success of the program. Generous donations from Syngenta and AGCO have also funded this continuing effort.

Other community supporters include the donors of the previously scheduled Green Nose Day campaign, including Fleming & Riles, Hayes LTI, SRJ Architects, Place on the Pointe, LRA, Hughey & Neuman, Logos Plus, and other anonymous businesses and individuals, who unanimously voted to put forward donations despite the cancellation of the campaign due to COVID-19. Stewbos, a locally owned restaurant and hospitality business, remains a key partner assisting in logistics coordination of providing meals and identifying local restaurant business recipients for this pilot program. Produce donations from Southern Valley in Norman Park will also support ongoing efforts. Most produce boxes include harvest directly from Flint River Fresh community farm sites with an emphasis on Georgia Grown supplemental produce.

Flint River Fresh is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to make fresh, locally grown produce accessible and affordable for people throughout the Flint River Region while empowering community and youth through education and outreach opportunities. Visit www.flintriverfresh.org to learn more.