By: Raquel Williams | July 16, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – The spotlight is on Wilma McIntosh, Child Nutrition Director for the Clarksdale Municipal School District (CMSD), for her collaboration with the Partnership for a Healthier America.
Mrs. McIntosh will serve as a panelist at the National School Nutrition Association Conference, to be held in San Antonio, TX, from July 12–15, 2025.
Congratulations to CMSD for receiving assistance from the Partnership for a Healthier America, Happy Foods, and Mississippi Farm to School to renovate and revitalize the greenhouse at Kirkpatrick Elementary. The greenhouse was repaired, and raised garden beds were constructed to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Having a working greenhouse on campus provides an opportunity for students to grow and harvest healthy food. Hopefully, students will take a liking to gardening and return home with ideas and resources to start their own small gardens.
Research shows that children who plant and grow their own food are more likely to make healthier food choices. When students are engaged in gardening activities, they may develop a positive attitude toward fruits and vegetables, which can directly influence their eating habits. Hands-on learning is beneficial for classroom management, and taking children outside to explore gardening, nutrition, and the benefits of healthy eating through direct involvement can only support a student’s growth and development. Gardening can also enhance children’s understanding of where food comes from, fostering a sense of responsibility and a deeper connection to their food choices. While the evidence is promising, outcomes may vary based on individual experiences and program implementation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase what can be accomplished on a small scale within schools throughout the Delta. Hopefully, it will spark curiosity and inspire a ripple effect in other districts.
Special thanks go to the Partnership for a Healthier America – Tyler Yarbrough, Happy Foods – Robbie Pollard, and Mississippi Farm to School – Sydney Bush, for believing in the Clarksdale Municipal School District and its potential to make a lasting impact in the Delta.
Photo Credit: Wilma McIntosh
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