JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An urban farm in Moncrief is getting a boost, thanks to funds from Congress’ 2022 Community Project Funding.
U.S. Rep. Al Lawson presented a $2 million check on Wednesday at White Harvest Farms, an initiative of the Clara White Mission. The farm grows fresh vegetables and fruits for sale at its weekly market and teaches classes on growing, compost and resiliency.
TRENDING: Years of fruitful relations between Disney, Florida at risk
Lawson’s office said the funds “will allow the farm to expand by building a state-of-the-art processing and packaging center which enables the farm to utilize fresh produce coupled with food provided by community partners to develop healthy meals for seniors at least five days per week. The center will also be open for public use for healthy nutrition courses, food demonstrations, food packaging employment training, and a rental space for the culinary kitchen and local businesses.”
Clara White Mission said these funds will also help the farm become more visible to meet the needs of the community, which is in a food desert.
STORY: Orange Park police arrest suspect in stabbing of young girl
“More than 59% of the residents residing within the designated Health Zone 1, suffer from low access to fresh and healthful foods due to poverty, low-income, and lack of available mainstream grocery stores,” the Mission said in a news release.
“In order to accomplish the vision of the mission and to help homeless veterans and low-income in our community, once White Harvest Farms & Market is completed, the site will be a valuable access to the residents for classes on growing, composting and resiliency. The mission rely on the help of local farmers, gardeners, hobbyists, volunteers and donors who support the mission’s cause. The opportunity to intentional improve economic alignments in this food desert will create a platform for viability, availability, and long-term sustainability,” Clara White Mission CEO/President Ju’Coby Pittman said in the release.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
©2022 Cox Media Group
