Helping Georgia Organic Farmers Devastated by Floods

As many of you have heard, many Georgia organic farms were damaged severely by the floods. Fortunately none of the farmers at our market suffered major damage. Love is Love Farm in Douglassville was one of the worst hit. All of their fall crops were washed away and along with them their potential income until next spring. Because the river flooded the farm, they have to have extensive testing done to determine if their soil has been contaminated. They had a work day at the farm today to start the long process of returning their fields productivity. Decatur was well- represented. I was there along with Mike Gallegher, co-owner of The Brickstore Pub and Leon’s Full Service and a large contingent of his staff who came out to lend a hand. About 20 people came out to help altogether.

They are not the only farm to suffer considerable damage. There are many others. There are opportunities for you to help support our local organic farmers in need. Slow Food Atlanta has set up a Georgia Flooded Farms Relief Fund. You can go to their web site to make donations. http://www.slowfoodatlanta.org/index.html

There are also other opportunities to help out.

Brick Store Pub and Leon’s Full Service will donate 20% of all sales on Thursday, October 8, with proceeds going directly to flooded farmers.

On Wednesday, October 21, all seven metro Atlanta Whole Foods stores, including Harry’s Farmers Market stores, will be donating 5% of their net sales to the Georgia Flooded Farmers Relief Fund. The Briarcliff, Cobb and Duluth stores will be holding special farmers’ markets, where you can purchase produce directly from local farmers. Chef demos are scheduled, too.

October 11th – Woodfire Grill is having a 4 course dinner with wine pairings to benefit Love is Love and the Georgia Flooded Farms Relief Fund. www.woodfiregrill.com

October 17th – The Peachtree Road Farmers Market is selling Jim N’ Nicks BBQ plates from 10 to 1. All proceeds will benefit the Peachtree Road Farmers Fund. www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com

We will have a donation jar at the market if you would like to make a donation when you come to shop over the next few weeks.

Please do whatever you can to help our farmers get back in production as soon as possible. We need them to thrive so we can continue to gain control over our food future.