912 Food Farmacy

Food as Medicine for Coastal Georgia

Join us monthly for nutrition and cooking classes hosted by the Coastal Georgia Department of Public Health.

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912FF Participants remember to use your monthly benefit at the Saturday Market, weekly, from 9 AM-1 PM

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Join us monthly for nutrition and cooking classes hosted by the Coastal Georgia Department of Public Health. 〰️ 912FF Participants remember to use your monthly benefit at the Saturday Market, weekly, from 9 AM-1 PM 〰️

What is 912 Food Farmacy?

912 Food Farmacy is a Food as Medicine program designed to support community health through nutrition education, cooking instruction, and access to fresh, local food.

Operating from April through September, the program includes:

  • Monthly nutrition and cooking classes

  • Community-based health education

  • Access to fresh, local produce

  • Support for building sustainable, healthy habits

Classes are open to the public and hosted in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health Coastal Health District.

In addition, a select group of participants is chosen through an application process with our medical care partner to join the 912 Food Farmacy cohort. These participants receive additional support throughout the program, including a produce stipend to help reinforce lessons learned and encourage healthy choices at home. Stipends can be used at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market Saturday Market, increasing access to fresh, wholesome, locally grown food while supporting regional farmers.

Through education, access, and hands-on learning, the 912 Food Farmacy helps participants build practical nutrition skills that support long-term health and well-being.

Why It Matters…

  • Asia Harold prepares a healthy recipe for a nutrition demonstration during the 2025 Food Farmacy cohort

    Access to fresh, nutritious food and practical cooking skills are essential components of community health. However, many individuals and families in Coastal Georgia face barriers to accessing affordable, healthy food and reliable nutrition education. These challenges can contribute to increased rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

  • USDA logo

    912 Food Farmacy was originally launched through a USDA GusNIP produce prescription grant and has grown into a sustainable community health initiative thanks to continued support from Healthy Savannah, the Frueauff Foundation, Chatham County and the United Way.

  • Trays of local, farm fresh produce available for purchase during the 2025 Food Farmacy

    Today, the program continues to expand its impact through collaboration with Healthy Savannah’s CDC REACH initiative, the Coastal Georgia Department of Public Health, and local healthcare and community organizations.

  • Leigh Beeler presents a cooking demonstration for a 2025 Food Farmacy participant.

    By combining nutrition education, cooking instruction, and access to fresh, local produce, 912 Food Farmacy supports a food-as-medicine approach that helps participants build sustainable habits and improve long-term health outcomes.

  • Spring carrots available for purchase at the Forsyth Farmers' Market Saturday Market.

    This work also strengthens the local food system by connecting participants directly to seasonal produce and local farmers at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, supporting both community health and regional agriculture.

Local Impact

Data collected from the 2025‍ ‍912 Food Farmacy participants shows the program is reaching local individuals and families facing real barriers to healthy food access and nutrition education.

  • Participants reported:

    • Eating more fruits and vegetables

    • Trying new foods introduced through the program

    • Improved confidence in preparing fresh produce

    • Greater awareness of healthy food choices

    • Feeling healthier and more energized

  • Participants also expressed appreciation for:

    • Fresh produce access

    • Nutrition education

    • Cooking demonstrations

    • Community support

2025 Participant Data

Of the 100 participants in the 2025 cohort, over half engaged in structured program evaluation through multiple survey touchpoints across the reporting period. This graph synthesizes data from six surveys and more than 50 questions, providing a representative overview of participant health risks, food access challenges, and behavior change indicators observed throughout the program.
Supported by United Way of the Coastal Empire Logo
Georgia Department of Public Health Coastal Health District logo
Healthy Savannah logo
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation logo
Blue oyster mushrooms being measured by Ansel of Swampy Appleseed at Forsyth Farmers' Market, Saturday Market

Resources

Coming Soon

Participants at an FFM cooking and nutrition class learning about cultural cuisine through A Taste of African Heritage program content.

Video Library

Coming Soon

Produce box from the 2023 Forsyth Farmers' Market Food Farmacy Program

Program Team

Coming Soon

Learn More About 912 Food Farmacy by attending a class, exploring our resources, following our journey on social media, or by visiting the Saturday Market!