Rockdale County secures $145K USDA grant for wellness garden

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County has been awarded a $145,000 federal grant to establish a  meditation garden for citizens to experience yoga, sound therapy, and other holistic therapy, as well as a demonstration garden for children to learn about agriculture.

Post 1 Commissioner Sherri L. Washington, who worked to secure the grant through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Urban and Innovative Agriculture Community-Based Organization Fund, said the the grant also will be used to expand Rockdale’s efforts to provide fresh vegetables to residents through the University of Georgia’s Extension Service.  Washington said that a groundbreaking will be held in late July for the garden, which will be located near Extension Service’s garden at Wheeler Park, 1350 Parker Road, Conyers.

“I am elated that Rockdale County is now a recipient of a USDA/UGA grant that will allow us to not only help alleviate food insecurities but also teach our community how to become self-sufficient,” said Commissioner Washington. “One of the most exciting elements of this community garden is that it will incorporate a meditation garden that will allow us to grow herbs as well as create spaces for yoga, meditation, and sound meditation. I look forward to working with our inaugural volunteer organizations, the NewRock Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction as well as Top Teens of America, so that we can move this initiative forward.”

Charnita V. West, president of the NewRock Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD),
Inc. and Top Teens of America, applauded the project, saying the initiative will benefit residents  in providing healthy nutrition.

“The NewRock Chapter is excited to partner with Commissioner Sherri Washington and Rockdale County Administration to ensure that residents, especially those living in food deserts, have access to healthy food options,” said Charnita V. West, president of the NewRock Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and Top Teens of America. “Ladies and Teens of the NewRock Chapter are committed to building stronger communities through our five programmatic thrusts, which include community partnerships and community beautification. Collaborating on this worthwhile initiative will allow us to answer our national call for Continuity in Action, where we plan and implement service projects that are consistent and long-lasting.”

This funding is part of a larger $43.1 million investment by the USDA Farm Service Agency  through the American Rescue Plan Act for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. This initiative aims to strengthen the food supply chain and transform the food system to be fairer, more competitive, and more resilient. The investment will also support food-insecure communities and aid producers in regions where FSA has historically had limited presence.

“Rockdale County is excited to utilize these funds to enhance our local agricultural initiatives, contribute to the resilience of our food system, and support our community in meaningful ways. We look forward to
collaborating with the University of Georgia and the USDA FSA to achieve these goals,” the county government stated.