AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Augusta Locally Grown continues to find ways to bring fresh produce to people who may not have access to it.
 
Augusta locally Grown’s online market is open, where you can get fresh produce all year round. 
 
Their market opens Friday at noon and closes Sunday at 9 PM. Pickup is on Tuesday between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The online market was started to allow producers to have a place to sell all year round and to address the issues in certain areas of food deserts or food swamps in the area.  
“Every dollar we spend with a local farmer,” said Chuck Simpson, Augusta Locally Grown Program Director. “That boosts the economy by $10, So we believe that this is a phenomenal way for us to not only help our own health but to help our own community.” 
 
Since beginning their online market 6 years ago, they have seen a lot of growth. Pickup locations are at the HUB on Chafee Avenue in Augusta, the Boy Scout Camp in Evans, and First Baptist Church in Harlem. Next week, a new pickup spot will open at the Dearing town hall.  They also are planning to reopen their North Augusta location and add Grovetown and possibly Hephzibah.  
  
“We’ve been able to spread beyond just right here in the HUB area. We’ve been able to push out in Columbia County, Even McDuffie County, and into South Carolina. So, we’ve been able to reach a lot of different areas where people are unable to access fresh, local foods,” said Simpson. 
 
They are currently working towards making their online market SNAP-eligible.  
 
“It drastically increases the access that we’re able to provide. Also, it really helps the producers reach a larger market,” said Simpson. 

You can purchase from the online market on Augusta Locally Growns Website.