FORT SMITH -- An organization headed by retired nurse Charlotte Tidwell is receiving a $20,000 grant for a community garden in north Fort Smith, according to Mercy Hospital, which assisted with the grant application.
A hospital news release said Tidwell was told Wednesday that the Seeds of Change Grant Program was awarding the money to her Antioch Consolidated Association for Youth and Family to support the Antioch Discovery Garden located at North Eighth and L streets.
The garden is in a poor neighborhood in Fort Smith and close to three public schools, the release said.
The garden's mission, according to the grant application, is to educate children about plants as living things and healthy food sources; improve family unity and foster wellness; and provide opportunity for leadership from schools, churches, health-care providers, neighbors and the city to solve local food insecurity.
Students are planting, tending and harvesting vegetables in the Discovery Garden. Leftover food will go to Tidwell's food pantry. Students will box it there with recipes and ingredients to make budget-friendly meals at home. Some boxes also will be distributed to low-income senior living centers.
The grant will pay for an irrigation system for the garden, education materials and incentives for parents to influence healthier food choices, the release said.
Through her association, Tidwell serves up to 500,000 free meals each year in Fort Smith. Tidwell uses her own retirement money and donations to fund the operation.
Seeds of Change received 852 applications and awarded grants to 24 organizations across the country, including 12 school gardens and 12 community gardens.
State Desk on 05/06/2016