Augusta, GA
Augusta food pharmacy teaches new moms about nutrition, resources
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new food pharmacy is helping pregnant and postpartum mothers make sure they get the right resources for nutrition.
We spoke with a mom about how this is helping her and other moms in our area.
The National Institute of Health ranks Georgia as number two in the country for maternal mortality.
What’s the biggest issue they face here in Augusta? Access to healthy food and knowledge of how to take care of their body both before and after the baby is here.
Augusta University, the HUB and Augusta Locally Grown are all teaming up to find solutions and teaching moms to use food as medicine.
Pregnancy complications were never in the cards for first-time mom Sara Clark.
“My blood pressure skyrocketed. And I didn’t really know a whole lot about that. But I do know now that it is part of pre-eclampsia, which I have the MTHFR gene, which is very common nowadays. But you are predisposed to preeclampsia,” said Clark.
When she brought baby Trace home, she says her health took the backseat.
Trace continued to pass milestones and because Clark’s blood pressure was rarely checked, it continued to rise.
Without proper follow-up care, Dr. Marlo Vernon says moms like Clark can develop chronic health issues leading to death.
“We have one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the country. And the way we look at maternal mortality is not just during pregnancy, but throughout the first year postpartum. And people forget that moms still need to be monitoring their own health and ensuring that they have healthy lifestyles after those first six weeks postpartum,” said Vernon.
This is why this food Farmacy at the HUB was created.
Tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce are just a few of the items that come from our local area farms straight to the table of new and expecting moms along with recipes for a happier and healthier lifestyle.
“We provide that to moms enrolled in our program, alongside teaching methods, how to make healthy meals for yourself how to shop for healthy, healthy foods and how to access healthy meals,” said Vernon.
Vernon says once-a-week cooking classes target blood sugar, gestational diabetes and postpartum health control.
“One thing we’re trying to teach moms is and providing them the tools to get there right, is that a healthy diet can also be your medicine. Being physically active, and eating well, are two key factors to reducing your risk of a lot of diseases,” said Vernon.
It’s helping moms just like Clark flip the script to use food as medicine.
Clark said: “Learning that that puts the focus back on the mom and just being like, what can you do after pregnancy? Or after you have the baby? What are some safe ways that you can, you know, also take care of your baby, but take care of yourself.”
The next class cooking class is on Wednesday.
Leaders say they are looking for women with chronic health conditions, food insecure and expecting or recently postpartum. It is set to run for the next six months and comes at no cost to those who qualify.
20 women have already signed up, and they’re looking for 20 more.
If you want to sign up, click here.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Abercrombie’s Career-High 33 Lifts Augusta Past Middle Georgia in PBC Tournament Quarterfinals – Augusta University
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta opened Peach Belt Conference Tournament play with a win Wednesday, outlasting Middle Georgia 74-70 in the PBC quarterfinals atChristenberry Fieldhouse.
The Jaguars (19-9, 13-7 Peach Belt) move on to the next round of four and will travel to top-seeded Columbus State on Saturday, March 7, in Columbus, Ga.
Augusta got rolling early behind Quinasia Abercrombie, who buried a three in the opening minute and continued to set the tone offensively. The Jaguars built momentum on both ends, and Nadiyah Byard provided an instant spark off the bench with a layup late in the first quarter to help Augusta take a 16-13 lead after one.
The second quarter belonged to the Jaguars’ defense. Middle Georgia managed just six points in the period, as Augusta tightened the paint and forced tough possessions. Amari Jackson hit a pair of free throws early in the quarter and later added a layup, while Abercrombie finished the half with a strong push in transition to keep Augusta in control. The Jaguars took a 31-19 lead into halftime after holding Middle Georgia to 1-for-13 shooting in the second quarter.
Middle Georgia responded coming out of the break, but Augusta answered every push. Abercrombie knocked down a fast-break three early in the third, and Jackson followed with a layup to keep the advantage comfortable. Sa’Niah Dorsey connected from deep during the quarter, and Augusta shot 61.5 percent in the third to carry a 54-40 lead into the final 10 minutes.
The final quarter turned into a battle. Middle Georgia found rhythm offensively and closed the gap with repeated second-chance opportunities, eventually cutting it to a one-possession game in the final minute. Augusta stayed poised at the line down the stretch, with Elyse Autrey knocking down key free throws in the closing seconds to preserve the win.
Abercrombie led Augusta with a career-high 33 points, going 13-of-20 from the field and 3-of-6 from three. Jackson added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Dorsey finished with seven points, while Autrey dished out six assists and went 5-for-6 at the free throw line.
Middle Georgia (17-11, 10-10 Peach Belt) was paced by Mauryah Jones with 20 points and Kristen Foglia with 18. The Knights also received 13 points and 15 rebounds from Kennedi Hawkins.
Wednesday’s game also featured a special atmosphere at Christenberry Fieldhouse, with the Lucy C. Laney High School Marching Band, the Pride of Augusta, providing in-game entertainment.
Augusta advances to face top-seeded Columbus State on Saturday, March 7, in Columbus, Ga.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Boxing Club is facing financial uncertainty after Richmond County’s 2026 budget left no room to fund nonprofit organizations.
The county’s decision removes one of the club’s main financial supporters, leaving the historic organization without a key source of funding.
The Augusta Boxing Club is one of the nation’s longest-running amateur boxing clubs and has served at-risk youth in the Augusta area.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta-Richmond County has selected a new planning and development director nearly a year after the previous director resigned.
Commissioners voted to hire Adleasia J. Cameron, who goes by Lisa, after an executive session Tuesday.
Cameron was one of two finalists for the position, along with Ryan A. Bland.
The position has been vacant since May 30, when Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director.
“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney wrote in her letter of resignation.
Cameron is expected to start within the next 30 days.
Her salary will be $125,000, with a moving allowance of up to $10,000 reimbursed based on receipts.
Other commission action
Commissioners also received an update that a veterans cemetery will break ground at the end of the year.
A motion passed authorizing the Marshal’s Office to purchase two vehicles at a cost of more than $115,000.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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