Tennessee Local Food

Join us for our upcoming session in the Lunch Hour Harvest series featuring Femeika Elliott, Dr Dawn Ford, and Dr. Kimberly L. Morgan! Our first webinar in the series will offer an engaging introduction to the intersections of agriculture, local food systems, and public health in Tennessee. This session will explore how farming, food access, environmental health, and community wellbeing shape health outcomes across the state, while highlighting the collaborative partnership between TN Local Food, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the UT Institute of Agriculture. Participants will also receive a preview of upcoming webinar topics and featured speakers throughout the series. 📅 Date: May 20, 2026, 12PM-1PM 👉 Register: https://lnkd.in/etrZ6Tk8 +++++++++++ CPH Recertification Credits: This program was approved for Certified in Public Health (CPH) continuing education credits by the Tennessee Department of Health, an approved provider by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Up to 1 CPH Recertification Credit may be earned at this event. To receive recertification credit, log this activity in CPH Central: https://lnkd.in/evwYZkZ9. NCHEC CECH for CHES/MCHES: Sponsored by Tennessee Department of Health, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available are 0. Continuing Competency credits available are 0.

Got skills in marketing & communications? Passionate about sharing the mission of uplifting regenerative local agriculture? TN Local Food is hiring a Part-Time Marketing & Communications Coordinator! Find out more details on our website: https://lnkd.in/g6_SinnM

Interested in learning about the role of livestock in regenerative farm systems? Then this 2-part webinar series is for you! Over the last 25 years Eric and Cher Smith, along with their four children, have transformed two worn-out farms in south-central Kentucky into vibrant, productive ecosystems using intensive grazing, on-farm fertility, and unwavering commitment to regenerative family farming. They have been selling their products through a CSA for 18 years, and been vendors at Richland Park Farmers Market for 16 years! This webinar series will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from Eric and Cher about their farm management practices and how they have incorporated fiber production and artistry into their operation at Bugtussle Farm. Plenty of Q&A time will be included, so bring all your questions! Part 1 - Sustainable Animal Husbandry with Eric Smith Monday, March 23, 2026 1:00-2:00pm CT Part 2 - Fiber Farming with Cher Smith Tuesday, March 23, 2026 1:00-2:00pm CT Register here: https://lnkd.in/gz62ZmPB Thank you to Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education for making this event possible! 

Our 2025 Impact Report is here! Last year, together with farmers, partners, and supporters across Tennessee, we: • Hosted 16 educational events • Reached 500+ farmers & community members • Expanded scholarship access • Strengthened statewide partnerships • Provided relief to farmers facing unexpected challenges This work is rooted in community — and it’s only possible because of people who believe in resilient local food systems. You can view the full 2025 Impact Report here: https://lnkd.in/ecpayXAi Right now, we’re raising $20,000 by spring to continue this work — and the first $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. If you believe in strengthening local food systems in Tennessee, we’d love for you to be part of what’s next. Support our work today: https://lnkd.in/e68w-xDQ #TNLocalFood #LocalFoodMovement #SupportFarmers #FoodSystemResilience #TennesseeAgriculture #RegenerativeAgriculture

Sheep grazing panel this Saturday morning in Nashville at Bells Bend Outdoor Center! https://lnkd.in/gTKpB-a3

Thank you everyone who came out to the 13th Middle TN Growers meeting! Another successful gathering filled with meaningful community connections. Special thanks to Sylvia Gainer and the team at Green Door Gourmet for hosting and preparing a delicious lunch, and to John Patrick for his leadership and organizing!

Do you think a farmer or any Tennessee resident should have the ability to sue a pesticide company if the pesticides cause them to develop a serious illness like cancer or Parkinson’s? The Monsanto protection bill is back. HB0809 is on the calendar for the House Judiciary Committee meeting this Wednesday, 1/21/26. Let your legislators know what you think. #tnfarmers #tnagriculture #farmers #tennessee

The federal government recently released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods– protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains– love it. But we can’t stop wondering, what do these guidelines mean when US agricultural policy directly conflicts? “The Dietary Guidelines focus mostly on diet. That’s their job. But the biggest force shaping American diets isn’t personal choice. It’s what’s affordable. What’s available. What’s marketed. What’s subsidized. What schools serve. What hospitals stock. What the government buys. And those things are determined by policy.” writes Angela Hoffman, Co-Founder of Farm Action, in her latest Substack article. The piece explores basic policy change needed if these guidelines are to have any real impact on the health of Americans. Read the article: “The Government Says Eat Real Food. So Why Do We Subsidize Processed Food Instead?” https://lnkd.in/gwS9EehK

Still processing the whirlwind of 2025! ▪️Hosted farmer to farmer trainings ✔️ ▪️Connected farmers to markets ✔️ ▪️Provided aid to farmers impacted by natural disasters ✔️ ▪️Offered consumer-facing education about sustainable ag and food systems ✔️ ▪️Convened food system stakeholders to organize for a better food future ✔️ ▪️Developed a 2026-2028 Strategic Plan ✔️ Grateful for the amazing partners across Tennessee and the southeast who worked with us to accomplish these goals. Feeling focused, organized, and inspired to do big things in 2026.

The 15th Annual TN Local Food Summit was an incredible success thanks to the VILLAGE that made it happen! We extend tremendous gratitude to the dedicated organizations, businesses, and individuals who came together to manifest this beloved community event. From our financial sponsors and local businesses who donated products and services, to our volunteers and Steering Committee members that met all year long to organize an intentional and relevant program– THANK YOU! Feeling inspired, energized, and thankful to be part of such a special community.