Rootswell: Planting Seeds for a Healthier Future in the Mississippi Delta

At Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) we believe that change starts from the ground up. That’s the inspiration behind Rootswell. Rooted in community, Rootswell is a growing movement in the Mississippi Delta that brings together local farmers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and creatives to transform the region’s food landscape. PHA is proud to support Rootswell as part of its efforts to increase the affordability, accessibility, and visibility of fruits and vegetables in the Delta.

Why the Delta?

The Mississippi Delta has some of the most fertile soil in the U.S. Yet it has one of the highest rates of food insecurity. This paradox didn’t happen by chance. Less than 1% of the 10.4 million acres of farmland in Mississippi are devoted to fruits and vegetables.

When Kroger, the area’s last major grocery store, left Clarksdale, MS in 2018, the consequences were devastating for residents. They were left with limited access to fresh, affordable food. Rather than advocating for a new grocery chain to open, local leaders and changemakers recognized the need to invest in homegrown solutions — that’s when Rootswell was born.

Early Wins

Rootswell has already made an impact on the Delta. In 2024, Rootswell and PHA collaborated with the Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Workers Opportunities fresh local produce to families in need, adding to our regional network of partnerships that have delivered almost 500,000 servings of produce to families in need of good food. Rootswell also awarded over $50,000 in the first round of GROW grants to small-scale, community-driven farmers, growers, and food entrepreneurs serving the MS Delta.

From developing mobile markets and community gardens to supporting youth education and agripreneurship, GROW grantees are building a more inclusive and resilient food system. Building on this success, Rootswell will be announcing the next round of GROW grants this spring.

Rootswell is also reawakening the vibrant agricultural scene through murals and art exhibitions that celebrate the farmers and advocates leading the good food movement in the Delta.

What’s Next?

Rootswell has big plans for the future to make good food more accessible in the Delta. Among them is the renovation of J’s Grocery, a locally owned 3,500 sq ft corner store in Clarksdale, MS.

The remodeled store will be better equipped to carry fresh, affordable, locally sourced produce. The store is also getting new sidewalks and there are plans to add bike lanes to make it even more accessible to residents.

Rootswell is also planning for future collaboration with our farm partners to develop a farm incubator program aimed at training the next generation of farmers. The program will teach young farmers everything from how to grow crops to how to sell them and bring them to market.

By investing in local solutions, empowering farmers, and fostering community partnerships, Rootswell is transforming one of the most fertile regions in the country into a powerful good food economy that serves everyone. The work is just beginning, but the seeds of change are firmly planted.

If you’d like to support our work in the Delta, and all across the country, please donate to PHA today!