Rockdale, USDA officials celebrate groundbreaking for new community wellness garden

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County and USDA officials this week held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate a new community wellness garden that will provide fresh herbs and produce, the opportunity for citizens to experience yoga, sound therapy, and other wellness activities, as well as serve as a demonstration garden for children to learn about agriculture. The community wellness garden will expand the University of Georgia’s Extension Service garden at Wheeler Park, 1350 Parker Road in Conyers.

Post 1 Commissioner Sherri L. Washington worked to secure the $145,000 grant for the project through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Urban and Innovative Agriculture Community-Based Organization Fund.

Rockdale’s garden was one of two groundbreakings hosted by the USDA this week.  Change Church in Gwinnett County also received a $145,000 grant as part of a $1.5 million USDA grant awarded to the University of Georgia (UGA) Archway Partnership to advance agricultural initiatives and community gardens in Georgia.

Rockdale’s July 18 ceremony featured remarks from Arthur Tripp, Jr., State Executive Director for the USDA FSA in Georgia. Tripp, along with local leaders and elected officials, emphasized the importance of community involvement and the positive impact the gardens will have on local food security.

“This week’s groundbreaking ceremonies mark a significant milestone for these communities and our investments in Georgia’s agriculture industry,” said Tripp. “These projects will bring instrumental change to their communities by inspiring young people to get involved in agriculture and by providing fresh, healthy food to local residents.”

Photos and video by Zada Washington/Ocgnews.com intern