Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Honey in the Rock
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Diakonia Farm
Mailing Address: 633 County Road 5031
City: Booneville
State: Mississippi
Postal Code: 38829
Main Phone: 662-554-7596
Main Fax: n/a
Organization Website: https://honeyintherockms.org
Employer ID Number: 92-2620998
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/07/24
Requested Amount: 5000.00

Project Title: Engaging Youth in Healthy Living through Gardening
Project Description:

Honey in the Rock (HR) is a charitable social enterprise of the small, sustainable organization called Diakonia Farm. Founded on a relational, asset-based community development approach, HR is committed to reducing food insecurity and poverty while teaching sustainable farming practices to low-income neighbors. Booneville boasts plentiful land and a hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. Building on this, HR believes in empowering individuals with the knowledge to better themselves and the environment through self-sustaining gardening practices and healthy food consumption.

A 2019 study from the USDA’s economic research service found that Mississippi had the highest rate of food insecurity in the country with 15.7% of the population facing this obstacle. Food insecurity, defined by the USDA as a “household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food” is couched within a food environment in Mississippi characterized by few healthy food options, high persistent poverty, and a primarily rural landscape. Further, among Mississippi adults, food insecurity is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, physical inactivity, and smoking.

HR is one of only a few nonprofits in the region and the only nonprofit that provides a holistic, upstream approach to combating healthy food insecurity, poverty, and sustainable gardening practices. By utilizing an upstream approach, HR is working to combat systemic issues through gardening and healthy living with children. HR accomplishes its mission through three primary pillars of programming: Life Skill Classes, Community Gardening, and Food Distribution. This funding would specifically help build a new community garden at a local elementary school. HR is utilizing best practices in farming and community development to ensure Booneville children are given the best opportunity to climb out of poverty and lead healthier lives, all while leaving the land better than they found it.

Total Project Budget: 30000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Arlene Hall Grant – $2500.00 – pending, UMC Mission Grant – $2500.00 – confirmed

Project Duration: Year-Round
Geographical Area Served: Booneville, Mississippi and Prentiss County
Age Group To Be Served: 4-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Hilary
Contact Last Name: Barnett
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 662-554-7596
Contact Email: hilary@honeyintherockms.org