AgGeorgia Farm Credit announced on May 12 that it awarded a $5,000 grant to Shaome Cooperative to help create a permanent Food Forest at John R. Lewis Elementary School. The project brought together students, AgGeorgia staff, and the nonprofit Shaome Cooperative for a planting event on April 16.
The initiative is designed to address food insecurity by teaching children about regenerative agriculture and providing fresh produce for both students and the surrounding neighborhood. The Food Forest uses Shaome’s “GROW” garden curriculum, which guides students through all stages of building an edible landscape—from soil health to harvest.
John R. Lewis Elementary was selected as a critical site due to its large student population and the need for increased access to healthy food in the area. AgGeorgia staff participated in Planting Day activities alongside students as part of their commitment to community involvement.
“Your investment is helping make possible a Food Forest that will serve not only as a hands-on educational resource for students, but also as a source of fresh produce intended to help feed the surrounding community,” said Chelsea McClain, CEO of Shaome Cooperative. “We are thrilled that students will have the opportunity to help plant something that can continue to nourish both their learning and their community for years to come.”
AgGeorgia Farm Credit supports projects like this one as part of its efforts toward improving food access and environmental education across Georgia, according to the official website. The organization maintains 15 branches throughout Georgia and serves over 5,000 member-borrowers with more than 130 employees statewide through financial aid programs including dividends shared among members.
