Dear Friend,
Happy New Year, if it’s not too late for us to say that! As we step into a new season, we’re grounding ourselves in what has always carried us forward: community. Last year reminded us what it truly means to have a village like neighbors, growers, artists, leaders, and partners coming together to nourish both people and places across the Delta. From mobile markets rolling through small towns to murals brightening familiar roads, and farmers’ markets connecting growers directly with families, each moment affirmed what’s possible when communities lead and we listen, support, and grow together.
As we look ahead, we’re energized by what’s to come. We are looking forward to new gatherings, deeper collaborations, and new partners joining us in this shared work. We’re excited to continue celebrating and expanding the Delta’s rich traditions of farming, generosity, creativity, and collective care, and to welcome even more people into this growing circle.
Keep reading for updates, announcements, and ways to connect in the months ahead.
We’re grateful to walk into this year with you.
With gratitude,
The Rootswell Team
Rapid Relief Response with Southern Poverty Law Center
In partnership with The Southern Poverty Law Center, we launched a Rapid Response Initiative to support organizations responding to the food insecurity crisis in our nation. Starting in January, the program will run bi-weekly for 4 weeks. Rootswell has connected with Start 2 Finish Farms, Quitman County Development Organization, and Delta Health Center to provide fresh produce to those in need. We are so thankful to partner with organizations that keep the Delta strong and families fed!
[Gathering Photos For Rapid Relief]
MS Delta Food Policy Network Convening
We are excited to announce the first Delta Food Policy & Action Coalition Convening! We’re bringing farmers, community leaders, advocates, academics, and policymakers together to unify our food system. This convening will introduce a regional effort to better align food, health, and agriculture policy across the Mississippi Delta, centering community voice, strengthening coordination, and ensuring local abundance benefits local people. Details are below.
📍 Bologna Performing Arts Center, 1003 W Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732
📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026
⏰ 10am-2pm
🔗 RSVP by February 20, 2026 at 5pm CST [RSVP at the link below]
We’re On Substack Now!
Want another way to keep up with all things Rootswell? Join our Substack for weekly updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it’s like being young food and health advocates in the Mississippi Delta. From what we’re working on to what’s inspiring us, you’ll be right there with us every step of the way.
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Annual GO RED Health Fair
Rootswell was happy to participate in the Annual Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center’s (NWMRMC) GO RED Health Fair in honor of Heart Health Awareness Month. The event provided a valuable opportunity to share Rootswell’s mission with the community. We were joined by chef Julie Diaz, who conducted cooking demonstrations providing over 100 delicious and unique cooked veggie samples ranging from “Beans & Greens”, “Beet ‘Hummus’”, and “Quinoa Veggie Mix” with sweet potatoes and spinach. It was a perfect heart-healthy mix showing participants that Delta-grown food can be healthy food.
NWMRMC is located on the same street as J’s Grocery and the two local schools where we completed cafeteria mural projects last year.
