ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County has been awarded a $145,000 federal grant to establish a meditation garden where residents can experience yoga, sound therapy and other holistic therapies, as well as a demonstration garden where children can learn about agriculture.
Post 1 Commissioner Shelley L. Washington, who was instrumental in obtaining the grant through the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Urban and Innovative Agriculture Community-Based Organization Fund, said the grant will also be used to expand Rockdale’s efforts to provide fresh vegetables to residents through the University of Georgia Extension Service. Washington said a groundbreaking ceremony for the garden, which will be built near the Extension Service’s garden at Wheeler Park, 1350 Parker Road in Conyers, will be held in late July.
“We are thrilled that Rockdale County is the recipient of a USDA/UGA grant that will not only help alleviate food insecurity but also teach our community how to become self-sufficient,” said Commissioner Washington. “One of the most exciting elements of this community garden is the incorporation of a meditation garden, where they will be able to grow herbs as well as create a space for yoga, meditation and sound meditation. We look forward to working with our first volunteer organizations, the New Rock Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and Top Teens of America, to move this effort forward.”
Charnitha V. West, president of the New Rock Chapter of TLOD (Top Ladies of Distinction)
Inc. and Top Teens of America praised the project, saying the initiative will benefit residents by providing them with healthy nutrition.
“The New Rock Chapter is pleased to partner with Commissioner Shelley Washington and the Rockdale County Executive to ensure residents, especially those living in food deserts, have access to healthy food options,” said Charnitha V. West, president of the New Rock Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD).
“With the help of Inc. and Top Teens of America, women and teens from the New Rock chapter are committed to building a stronger community through five program goals, including community partnerships and community beautification. By joining forces in this worthy effort, we are answering the national call to plan and execute service projects with consistency and longevity.”
The funding is part of a larger $43.1 million investment made by the USDA Farm Service through the American Rescue Plan Act for urban agriculture and innovative production. The effort aims to strengthen the food supply chain and transform the food system to make it more equitable, competitive and resilient. The investment will also support food insecure communities and assist producers in areas where FSA has historically been underserved.
“Rockdale County is excited to utilize these funds to strengthen local agricultural initiatives, contribute to the resilience of our food system and support our community in a meaningful way.
We are working with the University of Georgia and the USDA FSA to achieve these goals,” the county government said.
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