b'Through an online pre-order system, customers could purchase the Georgia Grown To-Go boxes and then pick them up at the designated time and location. We did our best to be respectful of the CDC [Centers for Disease Control] guidelines, says Thompson. The process was completely touch-free and allowed customers to get plenty of food without getting out of their cars. With thousands of produce boxes sold May through June, Thompson says the Georgia Grown To-Go program provided an opportunity to showcase Georgias agricultural industry. We putOut of a tough situation, new opportunities come, and this is a lot of variety in the boxes, and hopefully, people were able toone of them, says Oliver. We are still able to provide local fresh try some food they never had before. food, while also educating people in the community that food is available in their backyard. While no dates or details are confirmed, Thompson says its a safe bet that the Georgia Grown To-Go markets will pop-upOliver is hopeful that once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the again during the states fall produce season.monthly local farm market will resume with online sales. We will continue offering an online market option along with smaller Delivery Adjustment pop-up markets as we seek to become a regional hub for South With a few minor adjustments to its delivery method, WayGreenGeorgia.Inc., based in Ware County, has been able to keep its customersA quick scan of WayGreens website reveals the diversity of stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foodproducts available, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, beef, products during the COVID-19 pandemic.lamb, pork, goat cheeses, eggs, honey, and olive oil. Artesian A nonprofit organization, WayGreen, provides accessibility toproducts like soap and other custom-made items are also healthy food from local growers and producers to customersavailable for purchase. throughout South Georgia. Our vision has been to build a resilient local food system that addresses food insecurity, access, and availability while supporting a network of local providers to cultivate a healthier community, says Connie Oliver, founder of WayGreen Inc. Six years ago, WayGreen started as a monthly local market on the first Saturday each month. Open May through November, the markets averaged 25 to 30 vendors and 700 in attendance. When the COVID-19 restriction disrupted the monthly local markets, WayGreen ramped up its online store. Weve always had an online market but didnt widely promote it, says Oliver. With the pandemic, we were forced to revisit how the online market works, and make some adjustments.Now serving customers through its website and local deliveries, customers can still access local food, craft, and other products that are grown or produced within a 100-mile radius of Ware County. Customers can place their orders on the WayGreen website on Tuesday through Thursday, with delivery on Saturday at various distribution points, including Waycross, Brunswick, Blackshear, and Nashville.Produce To-Go: Sam Watson, co-owner of Chill C Farms in Colquitt Countychillcfarms.com georgiagrown.comBUSINESS + CULTURE 35'