Two Groups Take on Providing Healthy Foods
Delta 10 members worked with iGrow youth members. Photos by KeyAaron Dishman
Delta 10 and iGrow youth members pose for a picture.
Fruits and vegetables harvested from it’s compost.
By KeyAaron Dishman
Outlook Writer
Two organizations with one cause: providing healthy food to communities. Take AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a government program that focuses on strengthening communities through team-based national and community service, is teaming up with the Tallahassee Food Network (TFN). The groups plan to create community-based food systems that provide healthy, affordable food for everyone over the next two weeks.
Assisting TFN is Delta 10 from Vicksburg, Miss, which is comprised of seven members, all aged 18-24.
When speaking on the TFN, Gabrielle Petty, team member and recruiter said, “The Tallahassee Food Network works to change the way people live and I’m excited to learn their ideals and methods for growing food.”
Team member Janna Jesson added, “I’m excited to work with the Tallahassee Food Network because they produce healthy foods and they always give back.”
The TFN’s goal is to make sure everyone has access to food necessary for healthy growth and development. The plan received fire assistance after submitting the project application to the regional campus. The campus is located in Vicksburg, Miss.
They will work at the two iGrow stations (514 Dunn Street and 510 Orange Avenue) to grow fruits, vegetables and some herbs. Some of this food is already available for purchase and can be bought at the farmers market at either iGrow locations or online at igrow-whateveryoulike.weebly.com.
iGrow is a youth empowerment and urban agriculture program. The positive group works with the Tallahassee Food Network and is largely run by the youth involved with the program. The organization focused on growing healthy food for the community while providing youth employment and leadership development. The program partnered with different companies and organizations around Tallahassee. It started in 2011. The organizations that teamed with the Tallahassee Food Network are Junior League of Tallahassee and Second Harvest of the Big Bend and many others with similar missions.
At the iGrow gardens, Delta 10 members will grow and cultivate plants, as well as compose organic materials for the production of nutrient-rich soil. They have also been known to cook for people coming to stations to buy food. Healthy food and planting will soon vibrate throughout Tallahassee.
