Garden Grant Awarded to South Mountain Christian Camp

RUTHERFORD, NC – South Mountain Christian Camp recently received a 2025 “Growing Together” grant to begin a community garden through a joint effort by the Community Health Council of Rutherford County and the Rutherford County Food Council. Garden grants have been offered and awarded each year since 2018.   

Grant applications were accepted through March 14, 2025.  South Mountain Christian Camp received a full award of $1,500.  Garden project proposals were required to include a minimum three-year plan to receive the award. Funds can be used for garden preparation, supplies, plants and seeds, tools, protection from wildlife, or other needs to begin a garden.  The camp intends to teach children who participate in their summer programs the importance of locally grown food and to encourage them to plant and grow healthy foods at their own homes after their camp experience. 

Michelle Kramer, executive director of the camp, responded to the announcement. “We are so excited about this opportunity. The grant is not about just planting seeds. It is planting joy, responsibility, and wonder in the hearts of our campers. Thanks to your support, our garden will be a place where kids can grow in character and curiosity. It’s so important to us that camp is not just a place that campers attend during summer, but a place where they can learn and grow into the person they were called to be. We can’t wait for the kids to experience this blessing.”

The Community Health Council of Rutherford County currently hosts the Rutherford County Food Council as a subcommittee of the Health Council while the Food Council develops plans to become an independent organization. Visit rutherfordncfoodcouncil.org for more information. “Growing Together” grant funds were provided by RHI Legacy Foundation as part of their healthy eating initiatives. The three organizations have a shared interest in healthy eating, and each has a Facebook page outlining their work.