Thomasville Community Development Wins $200K Grant for Solar and Plant-Based Food Initiatives
The Thomasville Community Development Corporation (TCDC) has been awarded a two-year Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant, totaling $100,000 per year. TCDC is part of the third cohort to receive this funding, which focuses on climate solutions that support community priorities and promote climate justice.
The organization plans to implement plant-based diet initiatives and residential solar solutions to enhance its work in the historic Dewey City neighborhood. The project aims to reduce energy costs for residents of 52 senior apartments and improve the health of surrounding community members in a “food desert.”
TCDC consultant Earl Williams provided further insight into the two-part project. “Our primary focus is on promoting plant-based diets,” explained Williams . “We will bring food directly to the neighborhoods, beginning with Dewey City. We have funding for 40 families, so we may extend this outreach beyond the area.”
To achieve this, TCDC will collaborate with Rendall Mash and his Marathon Mini Market, where fresh fruits and vegetables will be distributed. Local caterer Alvin Davis, a Dewey City resident, will prepare plant-based meals for the community.
The grant will also fund solar energy efforts in Dewey City. The historic Douglass High School, currently being transformed into 52 affordable senior apartments, will be equipped with solar panels to power common areas, such as hallways, conference rooms, and meeting rooms. This will help reduce utility costs for residents.
“The solar panels will provide energy for all shared spaces, lowering the rental costs for residents,” said Williams .
Before awarding the grant, Drawdown Georgia board members visited Williams and independent project manager Katie Chastain to learn about the project's broader impact, including its support for food-based entrepreneurs. Williams described the experience as unique, noting that a panel of six family foundations personally met with them to discuss the initiative. This year, the Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grants have distributed $3.2 million, funded by six Georgia-based family foundations.
Chastain and Williams expressed gratitude for the timely grant, which aligns with their ongoing efforts. “Earl has been engaging with key community members, and when we saw this grant, we knew it was the right fit for us,” said Chastain.
Williams agreed, noting that grassroots efforts, such as partnering with Rendall Mash on addressing the food desert and creating a community garden, laid the groundwork for the project. Monthly Manna drops from the Thomasville Rotary Club in nearby Weston Park further contributed to the initiative's momentum. “It was clear that the next step was to deliver prepared meals,” said Williams.
Chastain plans to conduct a pre- and post-health assessment to measure the impact of the meals on residents’ health. If positive changes are observed, they hope to reapply for additional funding.
“There’s plenty of funding available for improving neighborhood health through food initiatives,” said Chastain while adding, “There’s still much to be done, whether through this grant or others addressing similar needs.”
Both Chastain and Williams are excited to continue their partnership with Drawdown Georgia, leveraging their expertise to advance the project.
The organization plans to implement plant-based diet initiatives and residential solar solutions to enhance its work in the historic Dewey City neighborhood. The project aims to reduce energy costs for residents of 52 senior apartments and improve the health of surrounding community members in a “food desert.”
TCDC consultant Earl Williams provided further insight into the two-part project. “Our primary focus is on promoting plant-based diets,” explained Williams . “We will bring food directly to the neighborhoods, beginning with Dewey City. We have funding for 40 families, so we may extend this outreach beyond the area.”
To achieve this, TCDC will collaborate with Rendall Mash and his Marathon Mini Market, where fresh fruits and vegetables will be distributed. Local caterer Alvin Davis, a Dewey City resident, will prepare plant-based meals for the community.
The grant will also fund solar energy efforts in Dewey City. The historic Douglass High School, currently being transformed into 52 affordable senior apartments, will be equipped with solar panels to power common areas, such as hallways, conference rooms, and meeting rooms. This will help reduce utility costs for residents.
“The solar panels will provide energy for all shared spaces, lowering the rental costs for residents,” said Williams .
Before awarding the grant, Drawdown Georgia board members visited Williams and independent project manager Katie Chastain to learn about the project's broader impact, including its support for food-based entrepreneurs. Williams described the experience as unique, noting that a panel of six family foundations personally met with them to discuss the initiative. This year, the Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grants have distributed $3.2 million, funded by six Georgia-based family foundations.
Chastain and Williams expressed gratitude for the timely grant, which aligns with their ongoing efforts. “Earl has been engaging with key community members, and when we saw this grant, we knew it was the right fit for us,” said Chastain.
Williams agreed, noting that grassroots efforts, such as partnering with Rendall Mash on addressing the food desert and creating a community garden, laid the groundwork for the project. Monthly Manna drops from the Thomasville Rotary Club in nearby Weston Park further contributed to the initiative's momentum. “It was clear that the next step was to deliver prepared meals,” said Williams.
Chastain plans to conduct a pre- and post-health assessment to measure the impact of the meals on residents’ health. If positive changes are observed, they hope to reapply for additional funding.
“There’s plenty of funding available for improving neighborhood health through food initiatives,” said Chastain while adding, “There’s still much to be done, whether through this grant or others addressing similar needs.”
Both Chastain and Williams are excited to continue their partnership with Drawdown Georgia, leveraging their expertise to advance the project.
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