Augusta Locally Grown (ALG), a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a sustainable local food community, proudly announces the launch of the eleventh annual Georgia Food for Health (GF4H) vegetable prescription program. This year, the initiative is once again bolstered by a generous $15,000 grant from Bank of America, marking the second consecutive year of support from the financial institution.

The GF4H program is dedicated to improving the health of 115 people suffering from diet-related diseases and their families. Through monthly clinic visits, dietary consultations, family-wide prescriptions, and cooking classes, the program aims to combat food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles. The latest grant from Bank of America will be instrumental in providing essential resources for the renowned GF4H program such as cooking lessons, wellness support, and vegetable prescriptions for the program participants.

“We are incredibly grateful to have Bank of America’s continued support towards this monumental life-changing program,” said ALG GF4H Program Manager Nandy Cordova. “This grant will be used to further promote lifestyle changes and the utmost wellness for those who need it most...the ones who live in a food desert and swamp currently.”

GF4H has achieved national recognition, particularly for its groundbreaking quality of life data published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health in 2020. Over the past decade, an impressive 75% of participants have reported reducing or completely eliminating their reliance on prescription medications.

“Partnering with Augusta Locally Grown to address important issues like food access and nutrition is part of our commitment to creating sustainable change in Augusta-Aiken,” said Ora Parish, president, Bank of America Augusta-Aiken. “The health initiative program is part of our ongoing commitment to provide resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”

As a founding investment partner of ALG's headquarters, the HUB for Community Innovation Augusta, Bank of America continues to play a vital role in advancing the organization's mission by improving the lives of individuals and families in Augusta through addressing health barriers. This partnership also enables ALG to collaborate with local entities such as Gateway Business Services and theClubhou.se, thereby creating increased business opportunities and further strengthening the community.