Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG) announced today that its annual Southern Chefs Potluck, held Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Serenbe Pavilion, raised nearly $400,000 to support fresh food access for low-income Georgians. The total shatters all previous event records, representing a more than 60 percent increase over last year’s fundraising total.

The record-breaking event comes at a pivotal moment for the non-profit organization. WWG recently learned that its long-standing federal USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Grant — which has helped power its flagship Fresh for Less program since 2015 — was not awarded for the upcoming cycle. However, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of individual donors, chefs, and corporate partners at this year’s potluck, WWG will keep its essential food access programs fully active.

"While losing our federal USDA funding was a significant challenge, the response from our community at the Southern Chefs Potluck was nothing short of extraordinary," said Athens-area resident Abigail Darwin, Director of Programs at WWG. "As similar programs across the nation are forced to pause, Georgia is proving what happens when a community rallies together. This record-breaking night directly ensures that thousands of local families won't lose access to fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables, and that our partner farmers continue receiving crucial economic support."

The evening featured a lineup of Georgia’s top culinary talent. Chef Host Christopher Grossman of THE CHASTAIN, Beverage Host Greg Best of Ticonderoga Club, and Jonathan and Justin Fox of Fox Bros BBQ anchored the feast alongside more than 30 celebrated participating chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers. Southern National served as the Hospitality Sponsor lending its staff to the event. Attendees participated in a high-energy live auction, mystery wall, and paddle raise that ultimately pushed fundraising past all previous benchmarks.

“We want to give a huge thank you to the incredible Chef community that has supported us through the years,” said WWG Board Member and Event Chair, Mallory deGolian. “We are especially grateful to have the support of key sponsors like Delta Air Lines, ASH Investment Partners, Serenbe, Verizon, King & Spalding, Eyes on You Safari, King Properties, and IHG — all of whom really stepped up for Georgia farmers and families this year."

"Our culinary leaders and local supporters sent a powerful message on Sunday," said WWG Board Chair and Athens-based chef and restaurateur Peter Dale. "They showed that even when federal support falters, Georgia's commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting local agriculture remains unbreakable."

Proceeds from the event will immediately go toward funding WWG's statewide partner network, which doubles SNAP/EBT dollars spent on fresh produce at local farm stands, farmers markets, and retailers.

For more information on how to support Wholesome Wave Georgia or partner with their food access initiatives, visit www.wholesomewavegeorgia.org.