June 14, 2021—Albany, GA During the Flint River Fresh board meeting on June 2, the Atlanta Braves Foundation announced Executive Director Fredando Jackson and Flint River Fresh as a recipient the 2021 Community Heroes Award. The Flint River Fresh Board of Directors was thrilled to invite Atlanta Braves, players, Bally Sports south broadcasters, Braves Foundation representatives and Jackson’s friends and family to virtually join the board meeting for the special presentation.
Bally Sports South broadcaster Chip Caray presented the honor to Jackson. Braves pitcher Max Fried also joined the call to offer congratulations. Family, partners, and colleagues were invited to share congratulations of the recognition of Jackson and his work through Flint River Fresh.
Launched in 2016, the Braves Community Heroes Week shines a spotlight on individuals and organizations worthy of recognition, and shares their inspirational stories with Braves fans, team, and the media.
Jackson’s story will also be celebrated throughout the St Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Braves telecast on Bally Sports Southeast and the Bally Sports app on Friday, June 18 with coverage beginning with Braves LIVE at 6:30 p.m. ET. Each honoree also received a $5,000 donation to their organization from the Atlanta Braves Foundation, a personalized Atlanta Braves jersey, and a VIP experience at Truist Park on the night of their Bally Sports South/Bally Sports Southeast debut.
Jackson was nominated for this recognition by Albany Community Member Debra Smith, and was selected out of over 100 nominees for his work leading Flint River Fresh community programs and initiatives to increase access to fresh, healthy food within southwest Georgia
“Fredando has grown Flint River Fresh programming and impact tremendously since formation in 2017,” says Marty McLendon, Chairman of the Board. “Partnerships and support, such as this award from the Braves Foundation, allow Flint River Fresh to continue to work within our community to increase access to fresh produce through outreach, education, and a network of food production spaces. We’re grateful to share this model and Fredando’s work with a wide audience through this recognition.”
Flint River Fresh is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to make fresh, locally-grown produce accessible and affordable for people throughout the Flint River Region, while empowering community and youth through education and outreach opportunities. Visit www.flintriverfresh.org to learn more.
Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves are the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Since 1991, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 18 division championships, five National League pennants, and a World Series title. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast. Radio broadcasts can be heard in Atlanta on 680 The Fan (AM), Rock 100.5 (FM) and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves, and twitter.com/braves.
Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast is the destination for sports fans across the Southeast, producing 750+ live events while televising 2600+ live events and studio shows annually. Home to the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Dream, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, Carolina Hurricanes, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Nashville Predators, and Atlantic Coast Conference, the networks are widely distributed across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Game telecasts can also be streamed on the Bally Sports app, available on mobile and tablet devices, including iOS and Android, as well as connected devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, PlayStation, Roku Players and Roku TV, Samsung and LG platforms and Xbox One. Fans can also download the app for free from the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Amazon App Store, Roku App Store, XBOX One App Store and Windows App Store.
Learn more about Community Heroes Week sponsored by the Braves Foundation and see past recipients and https://www.mlb.com/braves/community/serve/community-heroes-week.
Be sure to tune in to the game June 18th at 6:30 p.m. to see Jackson and Flint River Fresh recognized during 2021 Community Heroes Week.
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