Athens-based chef and restaurateur Peter Dale will serve a 2-years term as the new Chair of its Board of Directors for Wholesome Wave Georgia, a 16-year-old statewide nonprofit that facilitates fresh, healthy, locally-grown produce to support families and strengthen communities across Georgia. 

A WWG board member since 2021, Dale has been a passionate advocate for sustainable and equitable food systems for decades. He will play a critical role in continuing to advance WWG’s mission to increase access to nutritious, locally grown food for families in need. Dale is the first chef to chair the WWG Board of Directors.  

Dale, a University of Georgia alum, has been a fixture in the Athens culinary scene for decades. After beginning his career as an apprentice at Five & Ten, located on S. Milledge Ave., he honed his skills internationally before returning home to launch a series of successful restaurants, including The National and Maepole, a health-focused eatery. In 2024, Dale came full circle by acquiring Five & Ten, the restaurant where his journey began.

“I believe access to healthy food is a human right, and when people eat nutritious, whole foods, they experience better health outcomes and rely less on prescription drugs,” said Dale, who is also the co-owner of Condor Chocolates in Athens. “Becoming Board Chair at this time is important to me because I want to build on WWG’s strong legacy, expanding its reach while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.”

With Dale leading the way, WWG aims to deepen its community impact, strengthening food accessibility programs across Athens and the state of Georgia.

"Peter's deep-rooted passion for food, community, and accessibility aligns perfectly with Wholesome Wave Georgia’s mission to expand fresh, healthy food options for all Georgians,” said Will Sellers, WWG’s Executive Director. “His leadership and experience in the culinary world will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our impact. Under Peter’s leadership, we at Wholesome Wave Georgia look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”