AUGUSTA, Ga. – Since its inception in 2008, Augusta Locally Grown has evolved from a volunteer-run, pre-order farmers market into a dynamic hub for sustainable food in the CSRA. The organization, which plays a key role in promoting local agriculture and connecting farmers with the community, is currently navigating a leadership transition as it searches for a new Executive Director.

Despite the ongoing search for a new leader, board member Amy Christian says the organization is focused on maintaining its momentum. “There are a lot of moving parts in this organization, and we need a new executive director who can take all those moving parts and see a vision to keep the organization growing and helping as many people as we can,” Christian explained.

The growth of Augusta Locally Grown has been significant over the past 17 years, particularly with its new location at The Hub. The organization recently held its first farmers market of the season, and Christian expressed excitement for the spring season ahead.

“Working in a non-profit is tough work,” she said. “The good thing about non-profits is they build camaraderie within the employee group really quickly, and we have a great group of employees who have really stepped up. With a lot of help from the board and our partners, we are doing really well.”

In addition to farmers markets across the area and its online platform, Augusta Locally Grown also offers wellness programs, cooking classes, and a new teaching farm in south Augusta. These initiatives are designed not only to provide fresh, locally grown food but also to empower the community with the knowledge and skills needed to make the most of it.

“We want to connect local farmers to local families,” Christian said. “We like to get as many people into our farmers markets as we can, and it doesn’t do any good to give people fresh, healthy food if they don’t know what to do with those products. That’s why we offer cooking classes and gardening classes.”

While the search for an Executive Director continues, the organization’s programming will carry on as planned. The farmers markets, cooking classes, wellness programs, and other initiatives will remain in full swing, serving as a testament to Augusta Locally Grown’s resilience and commitment to the community.

As the organization looks to the future, the hope is that the next Executive Director will continue to build on the foundation set by the current leadership, ensuring Augusta Locally Grown’s mission of sustainable food access remains strong for years to come.