Delta Fresh Foods

Delta Fresh Foods and Mississippi Farm to School sponsored a Community Youth Day.

Community Youth Day was an exciting and educational event that provided youth with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to engage with community partners.

Participants enjoyed a guided tour of the farm, where they learned about agriculture and the importance of local food production. Information was also shared about Sprout Park and its role in promoting healthy living and outdoor activities.

Representatives from Alcorn State University demonstrated the use of drones in agriculture, giving youth a firsthand look at modern farming technology. A chef conducted a vegetable taste-testing activity, encouraging participants to explore healthy food choices.

Additional activities included face painting, interactive games, and a farm scavenger hunt where youth searched for various items around the farm.

Safety education was another important component of the day. Youth had the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles through a “Touch-a-Truck” experience featuring an ambulance and a police vehicle. Community safety partners included Pafford Ambulance Service, John Paul Gates, and Kelvin Williams from the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department.

The event successfully combined agriculture, health, technology, recreation, and public safety education, providing a fun and meaningful learning experience for all participants.

Mississippi Juice Co were the recipients of Delta Fresh Foods' first pick of jalapeños peppers this season. ....Grown locally.

Delta Fresh's Food Corps member, Tracy Williams, led an educational session for 1-3 graders at AW James Elementary in Drew, focusing on corn growth. The students participated in planting beans and squash and learned about hydration's role in plant development. The session provided hands-on experience and valuable knowledge on plant care.

Youth Leadership Community Day at Delta Fresh Foods in Cleveland, MS!
Join the Mississippi Farm to School Network on June 6 from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Delta Fresh Foods in Cleveland, MS, for a fun, hands-on Youth Leadership Community Day!

We’re excited to welcome K–12 students and their families for a day filled with learning, games, food, and exploration centered around agriculture, nutrition, and community.

Participants will have the opportunity to tour the farm, learn about Mississippi-grown produce, explore farming equipment, discuss planting seasons, and discover the rich agricultural history of the Delta region. The day will also include interactive activities, community partners, and plenty of fun along the way!

There is no cost to attend. However, donations are encouraged with a suggested donation of $5 per person or $20 per family to support youth programming and future community events. Contribute Here: Donate

Lunch will be provided, but registration is required to attend. Space is limited to the first 100 families, and registration will close on June 1, 2026.

Students will also have the opportunity to learn more about and sign up for the 2026–2027 Mississippi Farm to School Youth Leadership Cohort beginning this August!
Register to Attend

Community Tables
Are you an educator, farmer, or community partner interested in hosting a community table at this event? Community tables are designed to share interactive activities, demonstrations, and educational resources with youth and families.
Community Table Registration

We hope to see you soon on the farm!
Fun on the Farm at Delta Fresh Foods in Cleveland, MS


Mississippi Farm to School Network is a project of Earth Island Institute.

We were honored to have Mississippi Juice Company participate in the Ribbon Cutting of SPROUT Park. We look forward to a continued partnership.

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https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BKGcGkHDG/

Delta Fresh Foods Initiative and Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation partner to open SPROUT Park in Cleveland CLEVELAND, MS - A ribbon cutting soon in Cleveland - for a park that lets children play, learn, and watch real crops grow right next to them.

So good to have Dr Williams from Bridge Corp, one of DFFI partners, at the ribbon cutting for SPROUT Park.

PRESS RELEASE ________________________________________

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for SPROUT Park at Delta Fresh Foods Farm in Cleveland, Mississippi

SPROUT Park: Where Sustainability, Movement, and Wellness Grow Together.

Cleveland, Mississippi – April 21, 2026 – Delta Fresh Foods Initiative is proud to announce the grand opening of SPROUT Park, an innovative outdoor health, wellness, and education space, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM. This ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone in our commitment to improving access to fresh food and promoting healthier lifestyles within the Sunflower and Bolivar County communities. SPROUT Park stands for S – Sustainability, P – Physical Wellness, R – Resilience, O – Outdoor Learning, U – Unity, and T – Teaching Healthy Habits

Located at Delta Fresh Foods Farm, 1287 White Street, SPROUT Park is designed as an extension of the farm’s mission to foster healthier living in the Mississippi Delta. Valeria Hawkins, Chairperson for the Delta Fresh Foods Board, states, “The vision for this project was initiated by the dedicated staff and leadership at Delta Fresh Foods, who sought to create a welcoming space for the community to gather, learn, and thrive.” Funding for SPROUT Park was generously provided by the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing health outcomes across the region and the state.

"The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation's support of the Delta Fresh Foods Initiative expands community access to healthy food, nutrition education and physical activity," said Foundation Director Eugenia King. "The Foundation applauds the Delta Fresh Foods Board members and leadership for working to establish SPROUT Park creating a sustainable and vibrant community centerpiece for health and well-being in the Mississippi Delta."

SPROUT Park was inspired by the pressing need to address health disparities, limited access to fresh food, and the lack of safe outdoor spaces in the area. By providing a venue for walking, exercise, and nutrition education, the park aims to meet the community where it is, offering accessible opportunities to improve quality of life. Valeria Hawkins emphasizes that “this park creates a space where individuals can reconnect with the land, understand their food systems, and make healthier choices.”

The park embodies the core values of Delta Fresh Foods, emphasizing food access, nutrition education, and community empowerment. It integrates agriculture, health, physical activity, and education, reinforcing the belief that healthy communities begin with access to food, knowledge, and safe environments.
Hawkins notes, “In the coming years, success for SPROUT Park will be defined by consistent community engagement—families utilizing the walking trails, schools participating in educational programs, and individuals adopting healthier habits.” She also envisions future generations benefiting from SPROUT Park as a normal part of life, where they learn to care for themselves and their community.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include a pledge from local Cub Scouts, an opening prayer, and testimonials from youth ambassadors. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting and photo session, attendees will enjoy a walk through the park, along with activities such as a farmer’s market and cooking demonstrations.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating the opening of SPROUT Park on Saturday, May 2 at 12-noon—a testament to collaboration, resilience, and care for one another. Together, we can cultivate a healthier future for our families and friends in a space to plant knowledge, strengthen community, and thrive.

Event Agenda:
• Pledge by Cub Scouts
• Welcome Address
• Opening Prayer
• Overview of Delta Fresh Foods and SPROUT Park
• Remarks from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation
• Youth Ambassador Testimony
• Acknowledgments
• Ribbon Cutting and Photo Session
• Ceremonial Walk of the Park
• Activities: Farmers Market & Cooking Demonstrations

For more information, please contact Dr. Tomeka Harbin at [email protected]