Choctaw Fresh Produce Grows an Organic Movement in Mississippi

In partnership with: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce

In 2012, when the head chef at Pearl River Resort wondered why the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians wasn’t growing produce for the casino restaurants, a group of organizers launched Choctaw Fresh Produce (CFP) to create jobs for tribal members. A handful of mini farms soon opened.

Today, CFP cultivates a total of 5 acres on four farms, some with the potential to add blueberries and fruit trees. Wildflowers attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. 

“We realized after quite a few years of trial and error that CFP actually had a bigger responsibility of providing food security for the tribe, especially those living in food deserts with few nutritious, affordable options,” says Daphne Snow, CFP farm manager. “CFP is committed to providing as much organic, fresh, locally grown and sustainably farmed produce as possible to tribal members. CFP also strives to regenerate the soil so that it is healthy for generations to come.”

Choctaw Fresh Produce Grows a Movement

At CFP, six employees grow all types of vegetables, introducing a new kind each season and concentrating on those that are culturally significant to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, such as zucchini, lemon cucumber and collard greens. All start as seeds that sprout in the greenhouse and are later transplanted into 16 high tunnels where the plants grow directly in the ground, just like in the field. Flexible clear sides can be raised and lowered, allowing for a longer growing season and more control over water usage and temperature.

“Organic produce helps CFP stand out as a shining star in the farming community as being one of only a handful of USDA-certified organic and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified small farms in Mississippi,” Snow says. “We are committed to doing the best for the land and the people.”

The most recent fall-winter and spring-summer crops provided more than 32,000 pounds of fresh produce to tribal schools, senior centers, restaurants, grocery stores and the employee dining rooms at both tribal casinos. At pop-up markets, young tribal ambassadors sell vegetables by the roadside, while drive-through mobile markets educate students about where their food comes from and show tribal members how to prepare what they buy.

See more: Mississippi Women Take Lead Roles in Agriculture and Food Industries

“Refocusing on traditional foods and incorporating them into new recipes has been a stepping stone to improving the community’s health education,” says Tomika Bell, CFP local food coordinator. “Also, having community gardens within the tribal communities not only provides access to fresh food to alleviate food insecurity but is also a source of social support and emotional well-being for the whole community of residents.”

See more: Meet Mississippi Farmer Lisa Barker

Locally raised food has so many benefits including health. 

“Improving access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods will help lower rates of diabetes and obesity, which affect Native Americans at disproportionately high rates.”

Small Footprint, Big Impact

CFP’s outreach efforts show tribal members where their food is grown and who grows it. 

“I believe Choctaw Fresh Produce’s biggest role is to restore the food systems that support Choctaw self-determination, wellness, culture, values, communities, economies, languages and families, all while rebuilding relationships with the land, plants and water that sustain us,” Bell says. “The impact has been far greater than most people know,” Snow says. “Our footprint is small, but our voice is loud. There are many ways to make a difference, and to help your neighbor and farm locally are at the top of the list.”