Healthy Sumter and Flint River Fresh announce Grow Your Groceries Program: All Inclusive Garden-to-Table Resources

AMERICUS, Ga. – Flint River Fresh and Healthy Sumter will begin accepting applications for the Grow Your Groceries program on April 1, 2024. Residents of Andersonville, Cobb, Desoto, Leslie, and Plains living in low to moderate income households are eligible to apply for a free or discounted all-inclusive food garden installation complete with a raised-garden bed filled with healthy soil, seasonal plants, and expert gardening guidance with support for bountiful harvests.

“Flint River Fresh believes people should have access to fresh fruits and vegetables daily. This program will allow us to reach individuals and families in towns where there are no grocery stores and place fresh produce in their backyard. We hope this will decrease some of the financial woes to eating healthy while providing a life skill that program participants can teach to others in their family and community” said Fredando Jackson, Executive Director aka “Farmer Fredo.”

Flint River Fresh’s partnership with Phoebe Sumter’s Healthy Sumter initiative has given Sumter county and neighboring areas’ residents more healthy food access points, community gardens expansions, and gardening skills development training for anyone wanting to learn how to grow what they eat.

Selected applicants will receive everything needed to start or refresh spring, summer, or fall food gardens at home. Applications are available online at flintriverfresh.org/grow-your-groceries or scan the QR code in the flyer or email request an application to info@flintriverfresh.org.

Applications are reviewed and selected on a first-come / first-served basis while supplies last. Priority is given to those with financial need and to families with children. No prior gardening experience is required; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are all you need!

Flint River Fresh is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to make fresh, locally-grown produce accessible and affordable for people throughout the Flint River Region while empowering community and youth through education and outreach opportunities. Visit www.flintriverfresh.org to learn more.

This program is supported by Healthy Sumter through a partnership between Phoebe Sumter and Flint River Fresh, Inc.

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