ATLANTA – State Representative Valencia Stovall (D-Forest Park) announced her support of the Forest Park Planning and Zoning Board’s recent decision to reopen the Little Ones Learning Center’s Little Lion Farm Stand, which was closed by the City of Forest Park in 2019. The farm stand was first created to provide access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables within the Forest Park community.
“The city of Forest Park and other surrounding communities are ‘food deserts,’” said Rep. Stovall. “This learning center’s innovative approach to combating these disparities should be celebrated and duplicated across Georgia – not punished. Farm-to-table initiatives are being promoted statewide and nationally among early learning centers and K-12 schools. Healthy eating habits begin early, and the positive healthy outcomes from the operation of this farm stand could change an entire generation.”
If the Little Lion Farm Stand is officially reopened, neighborhood residents would once again be able to purchase affordable fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers and the children at the Little Ones Learning Center. The Forest Park City Council will vote on whether or not to pass a new zoning ordinance for the farm stand on Monday, February 17, 2020.
“It’s about access; we must make healthier options accessible,” said Toyin Okunoren, CEO of Little One’s Learning Center and registered dietitian. “Some families do not have transportation to travel to areas where organic and sustainably grown produce is available. Obesity rates are increasing among children and we can engage families to make health and nutrition a priority from an early age.”
Little Ones Learning Center is quality rated and NAEYC accredited. Since 1994, the center has provided early childhood programming in Forest Park. Little Ones Learning Center exists to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for preschool and school age children. The center’s focus is to offer a stimulating early care and education experience that promotes each child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Little One’s Learning Center’s mission is to support children’s desire to be life-long learners.
For more information on Little Ones Learning Center, please click here.
Representative Valencia Stovall represents the citizens of District 74, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Economic Development & Tourism, Education, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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