May 12, 2026
Students at John R. Lewis Elementary School swapped pencils for shovels on Thursday, April 16, as they partnered with Shaome Cooperative and AgGeorgia Farm Credit to establish a permanent "Food Forest" on their campus. The event marked a major milestone for the local nonprofit’s mission to combat food insecurity through hands-on education and regenerative agriculture.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit provided a $5,000 grant through its Community Mission Fund to make the project a reality. Demonstrating their commitment to the community, AgGeorgia staff members were on-site for the Planting Day, working side-by-side with students to dig holes and establish the edible landscape that will serve as a living classroom for years to come.
The project utilizes Shaome’s "GROW" garden curriculum, which teaches children the entire process of creating a food forest—from soil health to harvest. John R. Lewis Elementary, which serves a larger student population than many area schools, was identified as a critical site to expand local food access. The new forest and raised beds will provide fresh produce not only for students but for the surrounding neighborhood.
The Food Forest represents a lasting investment in local health and environmental stewardship. By empowering students to become advocates for healthy food practices, the initiative aims to inspire lifelong sustainability and foster deeper community connections in Macon.
"Your investment is helping make possible a Food Forest that will serve not only as a hands-on educational resource for students, but also as a source of fresh produce intended to help feed the surrounding community," shared Shaome Cooperative CEO Chelsea McClain. "We are thrilled that students will have the opportunity to help plant something that can continue to nourish both their learning and their community for years to come."