Low-income families receive fresh produce at reduced costs

Local farmers' markets provide fresh produce to low-income families in Middle Georgia

TWIGGS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Low-income families in Middle Georgia are receiving produce at free and reduced costs this summer.

Hundreds of families in Twiggs County picked up locally grown, fresh produce at the health department and senior center on Tuesday. Mary Walcott, Georgia WIC District 5-2 Coordinator, says mothers who qualify for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), along with their children ranging from six months to five years old can use their benefits to come and grab fresh produce.

“They come to our facility,” Walcott said. “They’ll get loaded with our $30 benefit. If there’s more than one person in their household, they can get multiples. There’s no limit. If they have three, they can get 90. It’s however many is in their household.”

Residents picked up food from Roberts Vineyard in Byron, which is owned by Darlene Williams. Williams spent the day preparing bags of food for 288 low-income seniors in the community. Georgia farmers like Williams apply for participation in WIC and senior farmers markets before going through a vetting process by the state. Williams says it’s a good feeling to know her products are helping those in need.

“It’s important because some of them don’t get a chance to get fresh fruits and vegetables,” Williams said. “And sometimes throughout the week or throughout the month, they might run out of extra produce or groceries. It’s important that we give back to the community. The Roberts Vineyard really strives on giving back to the community.”

To see the upcoming Middle Georgia WIC and Senior Farmers Markets dates, click here.