While the Rev. Keith Walton’s church isn’t in a food desert, the pastor of Journey Community Church – Sherwood, does see the issues of food insecurity and access to healthy food options in the south Augusta area where the church is located.
“There is a lack of healthy food,” said Walton, whose congregation is partnering with Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture & Agency for a farmers market from 4 to 6:30 p.m. July 14 at the church at 3131 Old Louisville Rd.
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Karen Gordon with Growing Augusta said she expects about 20 growers to participate in the market.
Walton said the market had a soft opening in June to coincide with the church’s food pantry and clothes closet ministry, and it went well. He said Gordon had a stall with fresh produce.
“It sold out quickly,” he said, reinforcing the need for the market.
Not only will there be fresh produce, but several activities are also planned in conjunction with the market including urban ballroom dance demos, voter registration-education, a petting zoo and apiary, according to a news release.
Outreach is an important part of Journey Community Church – Sherwood, according to Walton.
The church was birthed through Journey Community Church in Evans, he said.
“We were looking to expand out campus into south Augusta,” he said.
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Sherwood Baptist Church had about 11 members, and the youngest was 72 when the new church was formed. Journey Community Church – Sherwood began in June 2020. Since then, it’s grown to more than 100 attendees.
Another project on Walton’s list is to create a community garden on the site. Several church members partnered with officials at Dorothy Haines Elementary School to build raised garden beds there.
The farmers market is scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month.
To learn more Journey Community Church – Sherwood, visit journeycommunitychurch.net/sherwood.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
