Fresh Community Urban Farm Projects
Flint River Fresh Community Gardens and Urban Farm Projects grow for and with community at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, Sunbelt Ag Expo Backyard Demonstration Garden, Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm, Boys & Girls Clubs, city parks, school garden sites, community food gardens, small urban and rural farms located in Colquitt, Dougherty, Houston, and Sumter counties. With the support of strong community partnerships, sponsors, donations, and volunteers, we produce and give thousands of pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to end food deserts and hunger in the Southwest Georgia area.
Our Fresh Start Food Garden Kit Giveaways inspire and empower more people to transform green spaces into food production spaces at home or wherever community comes together to increase equitable food security. Our objectives aim to sow opportunities for healthy food options into the built environment.
A primary goal is to create community spaces and outdoor classrooms focused on healthy food production for neighbors in need using methods that conserve natural resources. Food gardening and natural resources conservation education go hand-in-hand throughout Flint River Fresh.
OUR FARMS SUPPORT…
Public Elementary and Middle School Cafeterias in Dougherty County through the School Garden-to-Cafeteria program
Community Harvest Days - neighbors volunteer and learn how to properly harvest crops for maximum yield while harvesting donations for food banks, hunger relief organizations, and themselves if they need food
Nutrition Education in partnership with community stakeholders and residents to reinforce a general understanding about the benefits of eating farm-fresh foods for healthy, active living - select classes include cooking demonstrations to introduce healthier alternatives for cooking and meal planning
Food banks, food pantries, vulnerable populations within food deserts through community partnerships and alliances
Community Gardens & urban Farms Highlights
Flint River Fresh actively manages and provides technical assistance for a combined total over six (6) acres of urban farms, more than 237 garden beds, 1.5 acres of urban orchards in Colquitt, Dougherty, Houston, and Sumter counties.
In 2021, we planted our first season of vegetables and fruit in the 2-acre Starbucks Learning Farm community garden in partnership with the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The mini-urban farm is part of the annual Georgia National Fair exhibits offering virtual garden tours and cooking demonstrations during fair hours.
Working alongside community partners and volunteers, the first seeds and fruit orchard were planted in another new community food production space in Putney Park through the Dougherty Fresh initiative, funded by the Healthiest Cities and Counties Grant through Dougherty County Government.
We expanded the 3/4-acre Community Garden at 209 West 5th Avenue in Albany and increased productivity. The garden includes more than 20 raised garden boxes, 1/4 acre Community Urban Fruit Orchard, and 1/2 acre in-ground planting zone. Additionally, a hoop house, hand washing station, and harvesting table enhance the community's education about urban farming techniques and food safety best practices. Partnership with Phoebe Putney made this project possible.
Partner with 4C Academy for maintenance and management of the Community Garden and paid student garden internship program on campus at 4C Academy, 1615 Newton Rd, Albany, GA
The 1-acre Healthy Sumter Community Garden at Brookdale Park in Americus in partnership with Phoebe Sumter is flourishing with the help of community volunteers. The community garden contains 12 beds, 1/4 of an acre of orchard, 1/2 of acre in-ground garden space, a pollinator garden, and serves as a community hub for gardening workshops, health fairs, food garden kits giveaways, and fresh produce giveaways. The community garden was instrumental in recognition from Congressman Sanford Bishop for the positive health benefits flowing from the garden into the community.
Our farm-to-school program expanded from the management of gardens at three schools to fourteen schools (elementary and middle) in Dougherty County in partnership with Dougherty County School Nutrition Services and Partners of Excellence. The program served as a conduit to infuse fresh, locally sourced fruit and vegetables into school cafeteria meals and student education or healthy eating engagement activities.
Installation of a community garden in Holley Homes in partnership with the Albany Housing Authority includes eight 4X16 raised garden beds built, filled, and planted alongside community members.
More community gardens and spaces include plots and garden beds growing at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Albany and Plains, the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm in Plains, Koinonia Farm in Americus, and the Healthy Sumter Community Garden in DeSoto Park.