Farm Truck 912, America’s Second Harvest Serves Savannah’s Food Desserts

A man in an orange construction vest rode his bike down Waters Avenue and 40th Street, past tables with nearly empty baskets of produce.

“Free food,” cried Rachel Bowman, effectively getting his attention.

Just half an hour ago, dozens of Eastern Savannah residents lined up early in the morning to bag food for themselves, their families, and the community, leaving baskets full of vegetables, fruits, and bread. was full.

But in just a short amount of time, residents had packed up most of their fresh produce, and volunteers from the Coastal Georgia YMCA distributed their morning fresh produce (apples, peaches, salad kits, potatoes) to residents before packing up. was It was easy to take home.

This article is the second in a four-part series on food insecurity and food desert issues in Savannah and Chatham counties. Read other parts here:

What does local data tell us about Chatham’s food desserts?

Volunteers and residents are having trouble getting to the grocery store

School lunch options don’t always fill the gap

The Fresh Express pop-up at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia has become a highly anticipated event for many in the Savannah area. Residents line up at the Curtis v. Cooper Primary Health and Moses Jackson Advancement Center at 9:30 am on the third Friday of every month to receive over 750 pounds of fresh, free produce.

Thanks to our partnership with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, they’re able to shop directly with nonprofits for a variety of items that members of their community need.

“I know a young woman who has always wanted lemons as a remedy to make hot lemon water, especially during the pandemic,” says Laura Schumerky, program director at the Coastal Georgia YMCA.

“And there’s this guy who only wants to eat tomatoes and the softest bread, and when he gets tomatoes, he chooses soft white bread as well. He likes tomato sandwiches.”

These pop-ups are just one of many ways community organizers and leaders have addressed a glaring problem plaguing thousands of Savannah residents: food insecurity.

Lack of choice leads to healthy food needs being met by other organizations

Every day, millions of people frequent grocery stores across the country.

For many Chatham County residents, it’s as easy as hopping in your car, checking out and loading your luggage into the trunk.