MLL Cares: Cultivating Health and Hope with Grow Jackson
At Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance, our “MLL Cares” program is deeply rooted in our local communities. Whether we are collecting donations, writing thank-you cards, or supporting grassroots nonprofits, giving back is at the heart of everything we do.
Today, we are thrilled to spotlight an inspiring local organization making a massive difference right in our backyard: Grow Jackson.
What is Grow Jackson?
Grow Jackson is a dynamic Jackson-area nonprofit founded by four passionate young adults who share a powerful belief: everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food, regardless of their neighborhood or income.
What started as a simple grassroots effort to plant community gardens has blossomed into a comprehensive movement improving food access, hands-on education, and community health across the region.
4 Core Programs Driving Real Impact
Grow Jackson tackles food security and community wellness through four fantastic key initiatives:
- Community Gardens: Transforming empty urban spaces into thriving shared gardens where neighbors grow fruits and vegetables together. These gardens are completely free to use and provide fresh produce directly to the neighborhood at no cost.
- School Garden Programs: Partnering with local school districts to teach kids how to garden firsthand. In 2025 alone, they expanded their reach into over 60 classrooms, successfully serving 1,500 students!
- Community Nutrition Program: Fighting food insecurity by hosting free community dinners, organizing grocery giveaways, and helping families navigate and utilize SNAP benefits.
- Urban Agricultural Workforce Development: Empowering the next generation by hiring young adults ages 16 to 21 for paid summer work experience right in the gardens.
In addition to these flagship programs, Grow Jackson brings the community together through seasonal Community Markets and their annual Harvest Dinner Fundraiser.
How You Can Get Involved
Organizations like Grow Jackson prove that small actions can spark massive community transformation. If you’d like to support their mission or get your hands dirty for a great cause, check out the links below:
Great job, Grow Jackson, for creating such a profound, multigenerational impact in our community. Keep up the amazing work!