04/21/2026
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]
