Application Opens April 1, 2024!

Healthy Sumter in partnership with Flint River Fresh offers low and moderate-income households:

1. A raised-garden bed filled with healthy, safe soil

2. Plants to cover the Spring, Summer,  and Fall growing season for your 1st year

3. Expert gardening guidance and Growing Guides

4. Ongoing support through email, text, or face-to-face meeting

Eligibility & Gardener Expectation:

Residents of Andersonville, Cobb, Desoto, Leslie, and Plains in Sumter County are welcome to apply. 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!

Cost:
We currently are able to offer the beds at no cost. If you are able and would like to make a donation towards the cost of materials and labor (up to $250), you can do so at the time of the installation.

For organizations:
If you are applying to receive a raised-bed garden for an organization (such as a school, community center, etc.) instead of a private residence, our staff will need to meet with you and at least one permanent staff member at your organization to discuss your plans for the garden(s). We ask that organizations pay the full $250 cost of each bed. If applying as an organization, please select “Organization” when you begin the application.

Flint River Fresh believes that everyone who wants to grow their own food should have access to growing space.

The Grow Your Groceries program reduces barriers to local fresh food by supporting individuals, families and community groups who want to grow their own food. This program provides raised garden beds to low and moderate-income households.