Rootswell

Nurturing a food system that grows collaboratively and creatively in the Mississippi Delta.

05/26/2026

We were honored to welcome our CEO, Noreen Springfield, and our Senior Vice President, Michael Waddle, to Clarksdale for a meaningful mini-team retreat focused on reflection, strategy, and growth.

Throughout the retreat, our team took a deep dive into each program, celebrating successes, addressing challenges, and identifying new opportunities to strengthen our impact across the Delta. We also shared lunch with our partners at Alcorn State University Extension Program to discuss updates and exciting ideas for future programming.

We left energized, aligned, and ready to implement new ideas that will help us grow stronger and serve our communities even better.🤗

05/20/2026

Last Wednesday, we hosted the University of Mississippi Community Engagement Fellows for an immersive Mississippi Delta tour focused on collaboration, impact, and community driven change.

Throughout the day, we visited partners across Quitman and Coahoma Counties, highlighting the powerful connections between farmers, processors, retailers, and community organizations. Together, these partnerships demonstrate the innovative and collaborative ways we are expanding food access across the Delta.

The fellows are exploring new ways to deepen community engagement and strengthen partnerships within their own work. Their projects range from food access and cultural appreciation to storytelling that uplifts the voices and experiences of Mississippi communities.

We left inspired by their passion, creativity, and commitment to meaningful change, and we look forward to building future partnerships that continue advancing the shared mission of making Mississippi a stronger, healthier, and more connected home for all. ❤️

Special thanks to , , J's Grocery , & for joining us for the day. 🤗

05/15/2026

Just a year ago, we celebrated the grand reopening of J’s Grocery and unveiled a new and improved community space made possible by Partnership for a Healthier America The renovation gave J's Grocery a more open feel and provided shoppers with refrigeration to store fresh produce. 🎊🥕

Last Friday, we celebrated one year since the reopening of J’s Grocery with good food, community, and connection, partnering with Chef Julie Dickson Diazof Clarksdale Cooks to serve up delicious tasting samples and give away Rootswell merch.

As shoppers entered J’s, we encouraged them to try the delicious Purple Hull Pea Spring Salad and the Smoky Potato Lettuce Wrap, along with a choice of Blackberry or Peach Smoothie. Shoppers were not hesitant to let us know how they liked (or disliked) each dish. We were thankful to see them try new foods or experience different ways to enjoy Southern staples.🥳

05/12/2026

This spring, acclaimed artist Jarmond Bullock brought bold color and powerful storytelling to Quitman County Schools with the unveiling of the “Passing It Down” murals at the middle and elementary schools.

Known for artwork featured by ESPN, Netflix, Memphis Grizzlies, Starbucks, and the Memphis International Airport, Jarmond transformed local school cafeterias into vibrant spaces celebrating the Civil Rights Movement, Native heritage, and the beauty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Now, the murals brighten the spaces where students learn, eat, laugh, and grow each day, serving as daily reminders to young people across the Delta that their stories, culture, and futures matter.

This project builds on the school murals we helped bring to Clarksdale last year, for “The Joyful Foods Project,” continuing our work to create inspiring spaces where students can experience creativity, connect visually with healthy foods, and spark meaningful conversations around food access and availability.

Huge thanks to Griot Arts Inc. and all of the partners who helped bring this vision to life.
📸

05/08/2026

Have you ever heard of or tasted Cowboy Caviar? We had the pleasure of experiencing this delicious dish through Clarksdale native Chef Robert Rhymes, and it was too delicious not to share.

Cowboy Caviar is the perfect side dish, and a creative way to enjoy all your favorite summer produce staples at once. Consider taking this to your next family BBQ or potluck.

When you make this dish, post a picture and tag us!
https://rootswell.org/journal/recipes/

05/05/2026

Can you believe it's been one year since J’s Grocery Reopening? To celebrate a full year of fresh, accessible produce, Chef Julie Diaz will be hosting free taste testing this Friday, May 8, 2026 from 12pm-3pm.

Come by and experience creative ways to enjoy the fresh produce found at J’s Grocery at 1001 Ritchie Ave, Clarksdale, MS 🍋

04/25/2026

With generous support from Nordisk this year we doubled the size of our GROW class from 5 to 11. Meet the rest of the changemakers transforming the Mississippi Delta's food landscape!

🌱Georgette Thomas: Expanding production of sweet potatoes to increase supply at neighborhood stores and farmers markets

🌱Kevin Cosby: Increasing production of purple hull peas and leafy greens and creating employment opportunities for youth

🌱Leonette Henderson: Transforming a backyard garden into a community garden to share fresh produce with neighbors and elders

🌱Pushing Outstanding Excellence for Kids: Teaching youth sustainable farming practices and entrepreneurship skills to break cycles of scarcity

🌱Tommie Meeks: Expanding vegetable production to support regional organizations, increasing access to local foods

🌱Tunica 10-Point Coalition: Creating community gardens and offering youth classes on health, nutrition, and entrepreneurship

04/20/2026

Last month, our Director, Tyler Yarbrough attended the Growers Pea Project Convening in Marks hosted by the Alcorn Extension Program.

Over the past three years, PHA and Rootswell have purchased purple hull peas directly through our Good Food at Home program, reaching more than 250 families each summer and strengthening connections to neighborhood store.

This is what food sovereignty looks like in action, farmers, organizations, and neighbors working together to build a healthier, more connected food system. We're looking forward to continuing to grow with this program and the incredible people behind it. 🫛🚜🌱

Address

400 High St
Jackson, MS
39201

Website

https://rootswell.org/

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