St. Petersburg, FL – The Edible Peace Patch Project (EPPP), now in its 6th year, is expanding its strategic focus to support the demand for expertise in enhanced education and leading sustainable gardens. Over the last year EPPP increased it presence in Pinellas County Title 1 elementary schools by building and supporting seven elementary school yard gardens: Melrose, Campbell Park, Fairmount Park, Lakewood, Maximo, Gulfport, Lealman Avenue and Sanderlin. We will announce some expanded garden projects and collaborative partnerships in the near future.
Leading EPPP through the next growth transition, Loretta Monroe Calvin, longstanding St. Petersburg resident and community leader, has been named Interim Executive Director of the Edible Peace Patch Project. A Stetson University graduate and former 20+ year executive at Tech Data Corporation, she is the owner of Monroe Strategic Business Solutions, LLC (MSBS), a business, offering expertise in HR, business strategy and diversity. Calvin’s combined business experience along with numerous non-profit board and consulting positions blend well with EPPP’s goal to expand its educational garden program in all Title 1 Elementary schools in Pinellas county. This opportunity will be her third appointment by a non-profit organization to assist with forward expansion and transition. Calvin also leads IMPACT St. Pete, a strategic component of the 2020 Project, focused on decreasing poverty in South St. Pete.
Board Chair Linda Marcelli said, “Loretta brings incredible dedication, community relationships and professional experience to our Mission. She has a great caring heat and is committed to children and families in need. Loretta is a great leader/manager and will take EPPP to the next level on behalf of the communities we serve. We are thrilled to have her join us and look forward to working with her as we continue to provide vital services to families and children.”
Upon joining the Peace Patch organization, Calvin stated “I am always thankful for opportunities to serve and to offer whatever help I can to move the organization forward. This opportunity offers a unique ability to combine my passion for helping others and my interest for creating a better community.”
The Peace Patch is currently preparing for the 2017-2018 educational garden programs and continues its innovative and successful work with elementary school children in Pinellas county.
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About The Edible Peace Patch Project:
The Edible Peace Patch Project is a 501c3 non-profit organization in Tampa Bay. Our mission is to cultivate healthy minds and bodies through hands-on educational gardens in order to grow successful lives and communities. Our vision is to to eliminate poverty through better education and improved nutrition in disadvantaged communities.
For more information, please visit www.peacepatch.org