Wholesome Wave Georgia Incorporated: Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making fresh, healthy, locally grown produce affordable and accessible to all Georgians. Their vision is to steward a network of farmers, neighbors, and community partners who believe that affordable access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food creates a more inclusive, nourishing, and loving food system in which everyone prospers.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

WWG operates within the individual and family services sector, focusing on combating food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits across Georgia. By partnering with over 75 statewide partners, including farmers markets, farm stands, brick-and-mortar retailers, and healthcare providers, WWG has facilitated more than $5.5 million in economic impact since 2009. This impact is achieved by matching the value of SNAP/EBT (food stamps) on fruit and vegetable purchases, effectively doubling the purchasing power for families in need.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Increase Access to Healthy Food: Expand the availability of fresh, locally grown produce to underserved communities across Georgia.

Support Local Farmers: Strengthen local food systems by empowering networks of farmers and small businesses.

Promote Health Education: Provide nutrition education and healthy lifestyle coaching to improve health outcomes among participants.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Nutrition Incentive Programs: Implement programs that match SNAP benefits to encourage the purchase of fresh produce.

Food Prescription Initiatives: Collaborate with healthcare providers to offer food prescriptions, making healthy food free for participants managing diet-related illnesses.

Community Outreach: Engage with local communities through cooking classes, mobile markets, and town hall meetings to promote healthy eating habits.

Key Technologies Utilized

E-Incentive Benefit Redemption System: Developed an electronic system to streamline the redemption of nutrition incentives, enhancing program efficiency.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Food-Insecure Populations: Focus on individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.

Older Adults: Address the unique challenges faced by older adults in accessing healthy food through targeted programs and partnerships.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

WWG has secured funding from various sources, including federal grants, private foundations, and individual donors. In December 2023, WWG was awarded a $994,613 federal grant from the USDA to support food and nutrition security initiatives across Georgia.

Total Funds Raised

In 2023, WWG reported total revenues of $2,319,613, with total expenses of $2,250,740, indicating a strong financial position to support its programs.

Notable Investors

WWG has received support from organizations such as the Zeist Foundation, NextFifty Initiative, and the American Heart Association, among others.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are primarily allocated towards expanding nutrition incentive programs, enhancing food prescription initiatives, and increasing community outreach efforts to combat food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Georgia Fresh for Less (GF4L) Program: A nutrition incentive program that matches SNAP benefits to encourage the purchase of fresh produce.

Food for Health (FFH) Program: Collaborates with healthcare providers to offer food prescriptions and healthy lifestyle coaching to individuals managing diet-related illnesses.

Stages of Development

GF4L Program: Implemented across multiple farmers markets and retail locations, with plans for further expansion.

FFH Program: Ongoing partnerships with healthcare providers to integrate food prescriptions into patient care plans.

Target Conditions

Diet-Related Illnesses: Focus on conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease through improved nutrition and access to healthy food.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

2024: Expand GF4L program to additional partner sites and increase the number of food prescriptions issued through FFH program.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

E-Incentive Benefit Redemption System: An electronic system developed to streamline the redemption of nutrition incentives, enhancing program efficiency.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilize data to assess program impact, optimize resource allocation, and inform strategic decisions.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Will Sellers: Executive Director with extensive experience in nonprofit management and a focus on food security initiatives.

Annamarie Robb: Director of Development, responsible for fundraising and partnership development to support WWG's mission.

Abigail Darwin: Food for Health Program Manager, overseeing the implementation and expansion of food prescription initiatives.

Aubrey Cyphert: SNAP Connection Program Manager, managing partnerships and outreach efforts related to SNAP benefits assistance.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for food security and nutrition programs is growing, with increasing recognition of the importance of access to healthy food in addressing public health issues. Organizations like Georgia Organics and The Food Trust are key players in this space, focusing on similar missions to promote healthy eating and support local agriculture.

Competitor Analysis

Georgia Organics: Focuses on connecting organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families, promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems.

The Food Trust: Works to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food, with a focus on urban agriculture and food access initiatives.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

WWG has established partnerships with organizations such as Unite Us to address food insecurities across the state.

Operational Insights

WWG differentiates itself through its comprehensive approach, combining nutrition incentives, food prescriptions, and community outreach to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

WWG aims to expand its programs to reach more communities, enhance partnerships with healthcare providers, and leverage technology to improve program delivery and impact.