(ATLANTA, Ga.) DeKalb County is helping its residents get fresh fruit, vegetables and more food options with the county’s DeKalb Board of Health’s (BOH) farmers market voucher program, aimed at combatting food insecurity.
The program recently expanded and has partnered with three local organizations — the Diabetes "You Can Win" Foundation, Inc., Lithonia Head Start and the Ruby A. Neeson Diabetes Awareness Foundation, Inc.
According to a news release, all organizations in addition to the BOH will provide farmers market vouchers through the county’s Healthy Bucks voucher program.
The Healthy Bucks program is modeled after a similar program in New York City and allows for residents to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local stores as well as participate in nutrition education.
"Healthy Bucks gives us an additional means to address the health and nutrition needs of underserved residents in DeKalb County," Interim District Health Director Sandra J. Valenciano, said in the release.
Healthy Buck vouchers can be redeemed at any Fresh on DeK: DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market beginning Monday. The mobile market provides fresh produce at a low cost. In addition to purchasing food, the market also provides food demonstrations.
Fresh on DeK’s summer schedule has been released is as follows:
Session A: June 7-July 30
Tuesdays
- 9-11 a.m. at Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave., Clarkston
- Noon-2 p.m. at Grove Gardens at East Lake, 1925 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta
- 5-7 p.m. at Terraces at Parkview, 6800 Parkview Trace, Lithonia
Wednesdays
- 9-11 a.m. at South DeKalb Senior Center, 1931 Candler Road, Decatur
- Noon-2 p.m. at East Lake YMCA, 275 Eva Davis Way SE, Atlanta
- 5-7 p.m. at Mainstreet Community Services Association, 5001 Mainstreet Park Drive, Stone Mountain
Fridays
- 9-11 a.m. at The Reserve at Hairston Lake, 1023 N. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain
- Noon-2 p.m. at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur