It’s funny how successful ideas come about. It takes just one person to think big and outside of the box—someone with passion and energy, who really wants to makes a difference. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the legacy of Paul Newman backing you.

The Wholesome Wave Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2005, is just that—a big, out-of-the-box idea that has the potential to improve millions of people’s lives.

Founded by former Agriculture Department Undersecretary Gus Schumacher and award-winning chef Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave supports increased production of and access to healthy, fresh and affordable locally grown food.

The organization came about when the “King of Cool” himself encouraged Nischan (who co-owned a restaurant with Newman) to parlay his culinary work and optimistic ideals into an organization where he could help people eat healthier. Newman became one of Wholesome Wave’s first financial backers.

With support from a mix of foundations, corporations, government agencies, community associations and universities, Wholesome Wave has a two-pronged approach: increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved communities, while providing business to farmers.

“What we do is we look at nutrition,” Schumacher said. “Then we work with farmers to help them become healthy food hubs.”

Under the organization’s Double Value Coupon Program, people can double the value of federal nutrition program benefits received through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program when used at participating farmers’ markets. According to Schumacher, the program improves the effectiveness of the SNAP program, as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and the Senior FMNP.

“What began in 2008 at 12 farmers’ markets in several states has grown into more than 60 markets in 12 states and the nation’s capital,” he said.

Wholesome Wave’s big, out-of-the-box ideas are not only improving access to healthy foods, they are bringing communities together, one by one. Paul Newman, “The King of Cool,” would be proud.

Learn more about Wholesome Wave at: http://wholesomewave.org/.

Dr. Seuss' beloved children's book "Green Eggs and Ham" turns 50 years old this week. The iconic book not only educates and entertains children, it is an all-time classic that still intrigues adults – even making it's way to the Food Network, which features recipes of the unique breakfast.

Click here to watch the ABCNews segment on the never-ending trend of greens eggs and ham.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select “America’s Favorite Farmers’ Markets” at www.farmland.org/vote.

The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which four farmers’ markets across America can rally the most support from their customers. The goal is to promote the connection between fresh local food and the local farms and farmland that supply it.

Voting is open until midnight Aug. 31. People can vote for as many participating farmers markets as they choose, but can only vote for each market once. At the end of the contest, one small, medium, large, and a new category, boutique, farmers’ market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market” for 2010.

“Farmers’ markets are one of the best ways for consumers to support local farms and farmers, to keep farm and ranch land in agriculture, and add to the economic health of our communities,” said Jane Kirchner, AFT senior director of marketing.

The 2007 U.S. Agricultural Census reports a 49 percent growth in sales from farms directly to consumers since 2002 — representing $1.2 billon that stayed in local communities. But at the same time, more than 1 million acres of farmland are developed each year — most around cities where there is greatest demand for local food. “We need to make the connection: there’s no local food without local farms and farmland,” Kirchner said.