(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union donated $3,500 to the Savannah Urban Garden Alliance (SUGA). The Alliance partners with schools, farmers, philanthropists, local businesses, and volunteers to increase access to and knowledge of urban gardening practices in order to provide local citizens with access to fresh produce, healthy food, and a self-sustaining knowledge base that effectively eliminates food deserts.
“This donation will help Savannah Urban Garden Alliance expand its School Garden Manager program to a total of 7 schools in 2021,” said Jennifer Drey, school garden liaison and board member of the Savannah Urban Garden Alliance, “This programming makes it easier for teachers to get students out into the garden where they can both connect with nature and learn the life skill of growing their own food.”
Currently, 76% of the students in schools served by this programming are eligible for free or reduced meals. According to Feeding America, 1 in 5 children in Chatham County do not have a source of nutritious food.
The outdoor ceremony was held at the Charles Ellis Montessori garden on Friday, April 30 at 3 p.m. The school is located at 220 East 49th St. in Savannah.
“The youth are the roots of our future. Community gardens encourage physical activity as well as enhance knowledge of nutrition and fresh food. Therefore, supporting SUGA’s garden program aligns with our company’s community service mission going beyond serving members financial needs,” said Donna Williams, community development liaison for Center Parc Credit Union.
Williams says applicable nonprofits are encouraged to apply for future Center Parc Credit Union sponsorships at www.centerparc.org.
ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. Two new Center Parc Credit Union locations are now open in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The company is also planning to open a free-standing flagship branch in Savannah in the spring of 2021 and launched an exciting community gardens program this year. Center Parc Credit Union was also named a 2021 Best of the Best award winner by MemberXP, a member experience solution from CU Solutions Group. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is committed to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8431, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org.
ABOUT SAVANNAH URBAN GARDEN ALLIANCE
Savannah Urban Garden Alliance was founded to facilitate the growth and propagation of urban gardens in the Savannah area, and to increase access to and knowledge of urban gardening practices. Their vision is to provide access to local healthy food one garden at a time through their focus on school garden programs, community gardens, and bridging gaps in the community. SUGA aims to link up people who need help with the people who can give help or the resources that exist. Learn more here: www.savurbangardens.org
CONTACT
Donna Williams
Community Development Liaison
Center Parc Credit Union
dwilliams@centerparc.org
www.centerparc.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com