By: Yasmine Malone | Oct 30, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Rootswell wrapped up its first-ever Rootswell Homecoming Tour on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Clarksdale High School, with local chef Deandre Metcalf serving a crowd-pleasing selection of Southern dishes made with fresh vegetables sourced from nearby farms. Though a Homecoming Tour might seem unexpected for an organization focused on healthy eating, Rootswell’s goal is to make nutritious food accessible and relatable, spotlighting local agriculture and emphasizing farm-to-table connections that anyone can adopt.
For Clarksdale, a city woven with cultural history and agricultural heritage, the homecoming weekend provided a perfect stage for Rootswell’s message. Alumni gathered to celebrate their alma mater, and as they joined in the positivity, music, and camaraderie of the homecoming tailgate, Rootswell showcased how healthier eating could easily become part of these cherished traditions.
The rich aroma of Chef Dre’s soul food dishes welcomed visitors as they entered Clarksdale High’s football stadium. At the Rootswell tent, they chose between greens with smoked turkey and sweet potato cornbread or veggie fried rice while cheering on their team. The event created a sense of community connection, with Chef Dre’s greens sourced from Start 2 Finish Farms, a nearby farm just 20 miles from Clarksdale, operated by Rootswell partner and Happy Food Project founder Robbie Pollard.
Throughout the day, Rootswell introduced attendees to the importance of local produce, illustrating how these ingredients enhance traditional dishes while promoting a healthier lifestyle. As a growing movement in the Mississippi Delta, Rootswell is bringing fresh, local food access to the community in collaboration with the Partnership for a Healthier America.
“Our mission is simple: help locally-grown produce find its way into local kitchens, onto families’ tables, and demonstrate a healthier way to live fully and joyfully in the Delta,” the organization shares on its website.
Rootswell’s Homecoming Tour exemplifies how a modern, grassroots approach can embed healthier habits into everyday life. For more information, visit their website at Rootswell.org, find them on Facebook at “Rootswell,” or follow them on Instagram @DeltaRootswell to join the journey towards a healthier Delta.
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