GROW

Mississippi has some of the richest soil in the country — yet nearly 20% of its population is food insecure, including 1 in 4 children.

Though over 30% of the state is farmland, the majority of crops grown are “cash crops” exported for profit, and resulting in costly produce for residents. Many residents also have to travel 60 miles round trip to the nearest grocery store. These factors have created a cycle of food insecurity and poor health outcomes for MS Delta communities.

Farmers, growers, and food entrepreneurs often lack easy access to opportunities that could scale up operations, realize dreams, and unleash potential. That where our GROW grants come in.

By infusing good food into the marketplace, GROW grants:

• Improve health outcomes through increased access and availability of affordable, nutritious food.
• Boost local economies to increase wealth in MS Delta communities.
• Empower a generation of good food advocates transforming the region’s food landscape.

The Mississippi Delta has a deep tradition of agriculture, which has the potential to be the key to the future health and wealth of its residents. It’s an area defined by creativity and hope.

GROW begins in the Mississippi Delta to fuel a more inclusionary, resilient, and accessible good food economy driven by those who know it best — local residents.

We hope to take this campaign national, grounding within communities and growing a network of support and collaboration.

GROW is a part of a larger food system change initiative taking place in the Delta.

• Transforming a local corner store
• Supporting farmers markets
• Leveraging local storytelling and marketing to promote local food
• Sourcing local produce and infusing it into the food economy

Since 2022, PHA has increased food security for 481 Delta families.