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Who We Are

Wimberly’s Roots is a program of the Winder Housing Authority that addresses many of the fundamental challenges facing our community.

 

We intend to empower people to gain the knowledge and skills needed to grow their own food, access healthy food and health-related information in the community, and improve their nutrition.

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Our food-related resources are available to neighborhood residents in Winder and those involved with various groups located at the Wimberly Center for Community Development and the surrounding Barrow County area, including the senior center and Boys and Girls Club. 

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Mission and Purpose

We provide services that educate the community on sustainable, healthy growing and cooking practices in order to enhance food security in the Barrow County area. These services utilize the expertise of volunteers, farmers, growers, chefs, nutritionists, educators and other related professionals. 

The specific objectives and purpose of this organization shall be:

  1. to further the education of our community in the fields of sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources, nutrition, and culinary arts.

  2. to provide learning opportunities (facilities, equipment, professionals, food access,  programs, and events) for our community to engage in the promotion of and participation in gardening and healthy cooking.

  3. to collaborate and advocate for the advancement of the Farm to School efforts in our community

Community Services:

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  • Culinary education opportunities

  • Collaboration with local organization

  • Community involvement opportunities for seniors

  • Cooking classes for the local community of all ages

  • Gardening education and outreach

  • Accessible and quality food resources

  • Healthy eating education

  • Part-time volunteer and employment opportunities

Our Story

In February 2016, the Winder Housing Authority purchased the abandoned Winder Barrow Middle School, which was vacated in 2013. The Winder Housing Authority seized the opportunity to procure the building and surrounding property in the Glenwood neighborhood, creating the Wimberly Center for Community Development.

 

In 2016, the Winder Housing Authority was selected as a recipient of the Local Foods, Local Places award. Through this initiative, Winder became one of 27 communities nation-wide that received technical assistance to help integrate local food into the city’s community development initiatives. Wimberly's Roots is a direct result of this event.


We are located in the innovative Wimberly Center and a USDA identified food desert. The Wimberly Center has become a catalyst for revitalization efforts and the focus of the Local Foods, Local Places initiative in Winder.

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