For this video edition of the Georgia Foodcast, host Skye Estroff is talking with Rebecca Van Loenen, the new Executive Director of Augusta Locally Grown, about her work as part of the Georgia Food Oasis and how the Augusta community has adjusted for the COVID-19 pandemic and how they're finding new avenues to feed Georgians.
The Augusta Georgia Food Oasis was established in 2015, but the community has 10+ years of grassroots projects championed by Augusta Locally Grown, which serves as one of the Core Partners for the program.
About Augusta Locally Grown: Augusta Locally Grown promotes the development of a vibrant food-growing community. This includes recruiting new farmers to our area and connecting existing farmers to customers, restaurants, markets and media. We also help development a network of backyard growers throughout the CSRA and support for conventional farmers who are transitioning toward organic practices.
Of Van Loenen’s joining the incredible work happening in the community, Georgia Organics’ Community Outreach Manager for the Georgia Food Oasis Suzanne Girdner says:
“We're thrilled to welcome Becca as the Executive Director of Augusta Locally Grown, a local food coalition of farmers, consumers, and educators that's championed healthy food access and farmer prosperity for 12+ years in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Becca offers an extensive background in agriculture, non-profit management, and business development that includes experiences at a tech start-up, web and software development, and marketing. We know these are the skills the good food movement needs now more than ever before. With her leadership ALG has an opportunity to develop and advance farmers in new ways.”
Click below to watch this episode of the Georgia Foodcast and stay tuned as we continue connecting with farmers and members of our Georgia good food community!
To learn more about Augusta Locally Grown, visit: www.augusta.locallygrown.net
To learn more about Georgia Food Oasis, visit: gfo.georgiaorganics.org