Healthy Southern Cities: Highlight: Mississippi
Coldwater, Mississippi

Nestled close to Memphis Tennessee, the City of Coldwater lead by Mayor Jessie J. Edwards wanted to see a positive change in the health of their community.  Residents organized and developed a strategic plan for their city, which resulted in two community gardens.  These gardens provide more than 200 residents, including 50 senior adults, with fresh fruits and vegetables.  The city implemented nutritional classes focusing on planting, maintaining, and harvesting gardens, in addition to providing healthy eating seminars.  Over 100 children attend these classes, and residents report increased physical fitness and civic engagement in the community. 

Partnerships with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Tate County Corrections Department, Tate County Extension Center, Coldwater Organization for Local Development, school districts and faith-based organizations have been critical to the success of Coldwater’s community gardens.  These organizations build capacity and provide a variety of support for the garden from maintenance to class room instruction.

By making fresh, healthy produce available, this community has taken a critical step in the right direction to combat adult and childhood obesity.  These gardens have exceeded the community’s expectations and have made the City of Coldwater a healthier community for all ages.