Nonprofits come together to plant orchards across metro Atlanta

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Some metro area nonprofits have figured out a way to get fresh fruit to people who can’t afford it — they’re growing it.

Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen spent time with some volunteers this week along Hi Hope Lane in Lawrenceville, where they were planting all kinds of berries in a brand-new orchard to help a community in need.

“Our goal is to have people within half a mile of an orchard, and that food can go out. Tons and tons of food,” said Kate Conner with the Food Well Alliance.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Food Well Alliance has partnered with The Giving Grove to plant 18 orchards this spring all over metro Atlanta.

As people continue to struggle because of COVID-19 and rising prices, some can’t afford fresh fruit.

Orchards like the one along Hi Hope Lane should provide harvests for decades.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Police seized $30,000 of THC products during a raid in Georgia, now they have to give it back
• Great-grandmother arrested on murder, meth charges after GA baby killed by dog
• ‘He was my best friend’: Daughter shares heartbreak of losing father during Newnan tornado

The charity Creative Enterprises provided the land. The group specializes in helping adults who have special needs.

“I get very emotional because it’s a passion of my life to teach people to grow food. And the clients here are very close to my heart,” said Beth Arechiga with Creative Enterprises.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Clients like Nicole Recknor were eager to help plant.

“It was fun. I love to do it. I did it at home before,” Recknor said. “I helped my mom.”

On top of the 18 orchards they plan to plant this spring, the groups said they expect to plant a bunch more this fall.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Atlanta Hawks honor Jovita Moore as Forever 404 Honoree

©2022 Cox Media Group