Second Helpings Atlanta and Retaaza Partner to Combat Food Insecurity for for Nearly 600,000 People in Metro Atlanta with Fresh, Locally Sourced Produce from Georgia Farmers

Atlanta, GA – November 11, 2023 – Second Helpings Atlanta (SHA), Georgia’s leading food logistics non-profit, has partnered with Retaaza, a social enterprise pioneering on-farm food rescue and community food access through their innovative supply chain, in a groundbreaking Food Rescue Partnership to transform fresh food access across metro Atlanta. By compensating Georgia’s farmers at a fair price that helps cover the costs of growing and harvesting their produce, this initiative provides a revenue stream for farmers, while also delivering fresh produce to families in need. Amidst a 156% surge in demand for food aid in Metro Atlanta for some food charities, this collaboration helps address the rising need for high-quality, nutritious food in communities hardest hit by food insecurity.

In a state where agriculture is a $83.4 billion industry, nearly 40% of what is produced by farmers, much of which is fruits and vegetables, goes to waste. Meanwhile, one in eight Georgians and one in five children live in food-insecure households. Retaaza’s established relationships with farmers across Georgia enable SHA to streamline the distribution of this surplus produce through its network of community partner agencies, offering it to them free of charge, which allows them to better serve their clients without added financial burdens.

By reducing the farm-to-fork process to just two days, the Food Rescue Partnership maximizes freshness, reduces waste, and ensures quality produce reaches food banks, pantries and other organizations swiftly. This quick turnaround alleviates strain on food pantries by providing them with fresh fruits and vegetables, in contrast to the high-sodium, processed foods that often dominate food aid. The initiative also integrates data and technology to optimize collection, delivery, and distribution, making the process both efficient and effective.

“This initiative is designed not only to rescue food but to support our local farming community by paying farmers an equitable price for their surplus produce,” said Paul Clements, Executive Director of Second Helpings Atlanta. “With the surge in demand on food pantries, this partnership provides a critical solution by allowing our community partner agencies to access and distribute fresh, quality food free of charge to the families who need it most—when and where they need it. It’s an efficient, impactful model that promotes both food equity while directly benefiting farmers and their families, creating a more sustainable and community-centered solution to hunger relief.”

Food insecurity in Georgia now spans beyond urban centers to suburban communities, where rising costs are putting pressure on working families. Over half of food-insecure households in the state include at least one working adult, and while SNAP assistance provides essential relief, it only covers an average of $2.19 per meal—falling short amidst rising grocery costs and the expiration of pandemic-era relief programs.

“This partnership is another step toward a systemic solution that prioritizes both farmers and families,” said Kashi Sehgal, Founder and CEO of Retaaza. “Instead of allowing surplus produce to rot, we’re creating new markets and a sales channel for local farmers by paying them a fair, farmer-first price that allows them to continue to thrive as businesses. We give them the opportunity to reach a new customer base while uplifting communities. It’s about building local resilience through shared resources and addressing root causes of food insecurity.”

SHA and Retaaza’s partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity across Georgia. Together, they are setting a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven change that could be replicated in other states.

To make a donation to support this program and help bring fresh, local produce to those in need, please visit SecondHelpingsAtlanta.org. Your contribution directly impacts the community by rescuing nutritious food from Georgia farms. For more information about Retaaza’s work with Georgia farmers, visit Retaaza.com. Together, we can reduce food waste and fight hunger.