Our Food
Tennessee has a rich agricultural tradition; from farms in Middle Tennessee to acreages along the Mississippi Tennesseans have always grown a wide range of crops. Although we live in a state dominated by farms, there are many communities who lack access to healthy and affordable foods. Together we can create a sustainable food landscape that is good for our communities and the environment.
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Food Access in Tennessee
Food deserts are scattered in communities throughout our state. A food desert exists when a community has limited access to healthy and affordable food. 14% of Tennesseans are food insecure, meaning they lack access to food that allows them to live active and healthy lifestyles.
Despite their growing populations, many communities in Tennessee have too few supermarkets. Large areas of Nashville and Memphis are underserved, and many residents have to travel long distances to purchase foods necessary to maintain a healthy diet. The situation in these cities is representative of a statewide problem impacting families in both urban and rural areas in Tennessee. - The Food Trust
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Get Involved
You may live in or near a food insecure area; get involved in fostering a healthy food network by volunteering for a community garden or local food bank. You can also support local farms by being part of a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. Check out the resources to learn more about the state of food in Tennessee.