From the desk of Maurice Theriot, Executive Director – South Side Farms
Cape Girardeau, MO – As the summer season draws to a close and our spring crops wither, while our fall crops begin to flourish, I am thrilled to share news of the momentous progress underway at South Side Farms.
The wheels of progress are tuning. As newly appointed executive director since May 1st, I have been praying for a zero-turn lawnmower to streamline our lawncare expenses while ensuring consistent grass cutting. That prayer request may seem trivial to some, but I believe God is attentive to our concerns. I am delighted to announce that we were recently blessed with a zero-turn lawn mower and it’s already being utilized. God be praised!
But that’s just the beginning. I often encourage those I encounter who have a vision for a thing, but don’t quite know how to get there, just to “Speak what you seek, until you see what you’ve said.” This gives life to your dreams by simply putting it out into the atmosphere. Our farm manager Jake Smith envisioned increasing produce production to feed more people, but the topography posed a challenge.
We are now one step closer to realizing this dream thanks to a massive community-based project, of donated man hours along with heavy equipment, led by Delta Companies, which involved terracing our hillside to create two new growing areas covering over a quarter acre and installing a working utility access road around the farm. Although there was a lot of dirt to move, our long-term vision is becoming a reality. Slow and steady wins the race!
And the blessings keep pouring in. South Side Farms is the recipient of a sizeable donation from a private foundation totaling $250,000. This funding will be used to install a new roof on our headquarters the former May Greene school, which now serves as the South Side Farms Innovation and Resource Center. And Flat Branch Mortgage donated $3,000 towards infrastructure projects as well!
Our commitment to educational programming led us to meet with the Cape County Master Gardeners at the Missouri Extension office in Jackson this month. They are eager to contribute to our farm beautification project when needed. As we continue to tell our story, more people want to help.
In just our second growing season, we are experiencing phenomenal growth. SSF partnered with Southeast Missouri University’s nutrition Program Director Dr. Charlotte Cervantes to host two exceptional senior nutrition majors as AmeriCorps service members for the academic school year. Mia and Claire will be totally immersed in everything around the farm while simultaneously completing a capstone project of creating South Side Farms recipe cards related to the crops we grow. With guidance from Dr. Cervantes, and Missouri Physical Activity and Nutrition Program Director Sarah Young, South Side Farms will focus on enhancing nutrition and physical activity initiatives, paving the way for future state and national partnerships.
And Finally…WE APPERCIATE YOUR FEEDBACK and are responding to your requests. This fall we will be focusing heavily on producing collard greens with nearly 400 plants already started and in the ground. We anticipate a bountiful harvest in the coming weeks, allowing us to provide a steady
supply of fresh, locally grown collard greens to our community. Watch our social media page closely for updates regarding our next farmstand, and how YOU can get your collards!
For more information about our upcoming events and activities, or to become a volunteer, please contact our Administrative Assistant Sherrell Wright at 573-576-1051. We look forward to hearing from you.
Let’s Grow Something Together!
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For further details and updates, stay connected with South Side Farms through Urban Voices, your hometown connection, also online at semourbanvoices.com. Your support and participation are vital to our mission of promoting health, sustainability, and community well-being.
