Our 2025 Impact Report celebrates record-breaking achievements—from expanded educational programs and strengthened community partnerships to vital relief for farmers in need.
Learn how we’re building a more resilient, sustainable future for local food and join us as we prepare for an exciting year ahead.
Download 2025 Impact Report
Letter From Our Executive Director
This report—and reflection on 2025—fills me with pride and deep gratitude for the individuals, businesses, and organizations who understand that food and farming are essential to the health of our communities and our planet.
TN Local Food began with a commitment to reimagine food and agriculture in ways that prioritize farmers, communities, and ecological health. Through sustained grassroots organizing, we have grown into a movement rooted in collaboration, community-informed programming, and a shared commitment to building a better food future.
Our third year as a 501(c)(3) marked meaningful growth and transformation. From record- breaking individual giving and diversified revenue streams to increased on-farm workshops and scholarship opportunities, 2025 reflected both momentum and maturity. Thanks to our staff, board, volunteers, and partners, we achieved—or surpassed—nearly every goal we set.
Support from new corporate and foundation partners, including The Frist Foundation, enabled the development of a comprehensive three-year strategic plan, positioning us to move forward with clarity and focus.
This report reflects what we accomplished together in 2025—and what’s possible next. We invite you to continue this work with us, because when local food thrives, Tennessee thrives.
With gratitude,
Natalie Ashker Seevers, TN Local Food Executive Director
Impact at a Glance
Each number represents farmers supported, connections strengthened, and food systems made more resilient.
EDUCATION & LEARNING
16 educational events hosted, including workshops, field days, farm tours, and film screenings
542 people reached
100% reported educational opportunities were engaging and informative
95% rated the quality of speakers and sessions as good or excellent.
MARKET ACCESS & DISTRIBUTION
9 workshops designed & implemented to expand market access and distribution
71% increased their understanding of local markets & interest in expanding through new partnerships
80% reported increased access to resources and new markets
FARMER OUTCOMES & PROGRAM IMPACT
87% reported gaining skills, knowledge, or resources they plan to apply in their work or community
90% reported they are likely to implement sustainable practices learned
93% Reported that they are very likely to apply strategies learned
EDUCATION & ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGH
Three-year strategic plan completed, laying the groundwork for 2026 and beyond
Two new board members added to strengthen governance
Deepened donor cultivation and engagement efforts
Clear standard operating procedures have been developed for the Farmer Relief Fund
CONNECTION & SYSTEM BUILDING
214 attendees at the TN Local Food Summit
46 partner organizations engaged through programs and convenings
84% identified new partnerships or collaborators due to our programs
95% reported satisfaction with networking opportunities
EQUITY& ACCESS
36 Summit Scholarships awarded in 2025 (115 since program inception)
Increased statewide representation on the Summit Steering Committee
Increased Summit speaker diversity: 82% Women; 38% BIPOC; 100% Keynote speakers were Black women
How the Work Happens
LEARNING, CONNECTING, AND RESILIENCE ACROSS TENNESSEE
In 2025, TN Local Food delivered a robust slate of educational programs, convenings, and partnerships designed to strengthen farmer resilience, expand market access, and build a more connected local food system.
Through hands-on learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and strategic collaboration, our programming supported farmers and food system stakeholders at every stage—from production and stewardship to marketing, distribution, and community well-being.
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In 2025, TN Local Food hosted 16 educational events, reaching more than 500 farmers, students, and community members across Tennessee.
Programming covered a wide range of farmer-identified priorities, including:
On-farm and social resilience
Soil health
Ecological pest management
Livestock health and husbandry
Agroforestry
Business development
Market access
These workshops and field days emphasized hands-on learning, real-world application, and farmer-to-farmer exchange—ensuring participants left with practical tools they could apply immediately.
Learning outcomes reported by participants included:
Increased understanding of wholesale and restaurant markets
Greater confidence in pricing, farm finances, and market strategy
Improved knowledge of regenerative grazing, conservation tillage, and soil health
Increased ability to identify pests and apply ecological pest management techniques
Stronger awareness of farmer resources and local support networks
Across programs, farmers consistently reported that peer learning and relationship-building were among the most valuable outcomes.
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In 2025, TN Local Food deepened its role as a connector within Tennessee’s food system and across the Southeast.
Through expanded communications efforts, we shared timely resources on grants, jobs, events, and community news—strengthening connections across the local food network and reaching:
1,730 people through our newsletters (6% net subscriber growth)
5,500 people through social media, with 16.28% increased engagement
We also collaborated with 46 partner organizations to develop programs, raise awareness, host convenings, and cultivate support—all in service of building more resilient local food systems in Tennessee.
Key partnership highlights included:
Serving as a partner in the inaugural SOWTH Conference, which brought together 1,000+ participants from across the region
Strengthening institutional partnerships with
Vanderbilt University and Belmont University
Supporting Vanderbilt’s Director of Culinary Services in advancing a goal of increasing local food procurement
Partnering with Belmont University and Carbon Cowboys to host screenings of the Roots So Deep documentary series, exposing 90 college students to regenerative agriculture and adaptive grazing practices
Presenting on Direct Sales Market Opportunities at Tennessee State University’s Urban Agriculture Expo
Together, these collaborations extended TN Local Food’s reach beyond traditional audiences and reinforced our role as a trusted leader in education, convening, and systems-level collaboration.
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TN Local Food continued to provide direct and systemic support to farmers in 2025.
Streamlined Farmer Relief Fund standard operating procedures enabled quick response and efficient processing
2 additional farmers supported, bringing total distributions to $22,900
Advocated for sustainable farmers at Ag Day on the Hill for the third consecutive year, strengthening relationships with lawmakers and advancing a statewide coalition
These efforts reinforce stability for farmers while advancing long-term systems change.
Stories of Impact
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For many participants, attending the TN Local Food Summit would not have been possible without scholarship support. Students, beginning farmers, educators, nonprofit staff, and community leaders shared that registration costs and travel expenses are often significant barriers to participation.
Scholarships ensure that cost is not a barrier to learning, leadership, or belonging in the local food system.
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Severe storms can cause sudden, uninsured damage that puts farms at risk during critical moments in the growing season. In 2025, the TN Local Food Farmer Relief Fund provided timely support to farmers facing significant storm-related losses—helping stabilize operations and prevent short-term crises from becoming long-term setbacks.
One farm sustained extensive damage when a severe storm destroyed greenhouse coverings protecting highvalue crops, leaving plants vulnerable to heat loss, excess moisture, and disease during a crucial planting window. With no insurance coverage available and significant repair costs, the damage threatened both crop viability and seasonal timelines.
Another farm faced widespread pasture and fencing damage after high winds uprooted trees across grazing land, forcing the closure of a 15-acre pasture and disrupting routine farm operations and animal care.
With no insurance support and mounting repair needs, the farm was required to redirect time and resources away from seasonal preparation.
In both cases, Farmer Relief Fund support helped address immediate, uninsured needs—allowing farmers to focus on recovery, protect remaining assets, and maintain stability during a challenging period. These examples underscore the importance of flexible, rapid-response support when unexpected events threaten farm resilience.
Tennessee Local
Food Summit
A CORNERSTONE OF CONNECTION
The 15th Annual Tennessee Local Food Summit convened 214 attendees in Nashville under the theme Healing Land, Healing Communities.
Highlights included: • 34 sessions led by 53 speakers • 6 specialized tracks spanning production, soil health, seedkeeping, business, livestock, and community • 36 scholarships awarded in 2025, bringing the total to 115 scholarships in just four years • Record-breaking scholarship sponsorship support
Summit Outcomes: • 93% of attendees were satisfied with their experience • 95% reported ample opportunities to network • 84% identified new partnerships or collaborators • 87% gained skills or knowledge they plan to apply
The Summit remains a cornerstone for learning, relationship-building, and advancing more resilient local food systems in Tennessee.
The TN Local Food Summit brings together farmers, educators, advocates, and partners to connect, collaborate, and take action. Participants shared that relationships formed at the Summit led to new projects, partnerships, and opportunities that continue well beyond the event—strengthening local food systems across Tennessee and the Southeast.
The Summit turns connection into collaboration—and collaboration into lasting impact.
Support & Stewardship
• $22,900 distributed through the Farmer Relief Fund since inception • $190,000+ raised in 2025 (80% increase year-over-year) • Nearly $50,000 net surplus, supporting long-term sustainability • Diversified revenue model reducing reliance on event-based income
Stewardship & Sustainability
In 2025, TN Local Food made intentional investments in leadership, planning, and organizational capacity to ensure our work remains responsive, accountable, and positioned for long-term
A major milestone this year was the completion of a three-year strategic planning process shaped by food system stakeholders across Tennessee, aligning programs, partnerships, and resources around shared priorities.
To strengthen governance, TN Local Food welcomed two new board members, adding valuable expertise and perspective as the organization enters its next phase of growth.
Operationally, we expanded capacity through targeted staffing and received workspace support donated by Industrious, strengthening communications and staff collaboration.
These leadership and capacity investments laid the groundwork for the financial diversification and stability reflected in our 2025 revenue.
Financial Overview
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY GREEN
In 2022, nearly all revenue came from conference sponsorships and ticket sales. By 2025, those sources accounted for just 27% of total revenue—a significant shift toward a more balanced and resilient funding structure. This evolution reflects intentional efforts to diversify revenue, reduce reliance on any single funding stream, and build a sustainable foundation for continued growth.
In 2025, TN Local Food saw meaningful growth across multiple revenue categories, including individual giving, corporate and foundation support, and government grants. This financial evolution allows us to invest more deeply in farmers, partnerships, and long-term systems change—while stewarding resources responsibly.
2025 Revenue Highlights to Celebrate:
Individual giving increased to 19.7% of total revenue—reflecting growing grassroots support
Corporate & foundation funding more than doubled, rising from 9% (2024) to 19.5% (2025)
Government grants grew dramatically, increasing from 0.5% (2024) to 20.3% (2025)
Looking Ahead
WHY 2026 MATTERS
With a new three-year strategic plan in place, TN Local Food enters 2026 with clarity and momentum. This plan— shaped by farmers, partners, and food system stakeholders—provides a shared vision for deepening farmer support, strengthening partnerships, and advancing a more resilient and equitable local food system across Tennessee.
As we move forward, continued investment will help translate this vision into action: expanding education, strengthening market access, supporting farmers through times of uncertainty, and sustaining the relationships that make this work possible.
GOALS FOR 2026
Developing a coordinated suite of farmer services
Increasing farmer access to markets across Tennessee
Launching a statewide membership model to deepen engagement and sustainability
Strengthening the Farmer Relief Fund to respond to urgent needs
Achieving operational excellence to support long-term impact
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN 2026
With a more balanced revenue foundation in place, TN Local Food enters 2026 positioned for thoughtful, strategic growth. Building on gains in individual giving, institutional support, and government funding, the organization will continue to prioritize diversification, long-term partnerships, and responsible stewardship.
Investments in organizational capacity, fundraising infrastructure, and donor engagement will support expanded programming, responsive farmer support, and deeper collaboration across Tennessee’s local food system. By maintaining a diversified funding mix, TN Local Food is better equipped to navigate uncertainty, respond to emerging needs, and sustain impact well into the future.
Donor & Supporters
Everything shared in this report was made possible by people who believe in the power of local food—and who show up, year after year, to support farmers and communities. We invite you to continue this work alongside us. Your support is an investment in farmers, in community resilience, and in a food system rooted in care, equity, and long-term sustainability. This work is not accomplished by any one person or organization. It is built through shared leadership, steady commitment, and the belief that together we can create something better.
Thank you to our foundation, grant, and corporate partners for their support:
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education
The Frist Foundation
FanDuel
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Farmers Friend, LLC
The Rivers Market
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
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The Nashville Food Project
Farmer’s Friend
The Welcome Garden
Bells Bend Farm
Sweeter Days Farm
Rooted East Knoxville
Athena’s Harvest Farm
Southeast Tennessee Young Farmers Coalition
Tennessee State University
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
The United Way Knoxville
Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network
Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms & Market
Ursula King
Vuck Farm
Una Acre Farm
Jeff Poppen
Zysis Garden
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Brenda Butka, Board Chair
Dolapo Moloye, Treasurer
Kristina Villa, Secretary
John Patrick
Keith Loiseau
Lynn Maddox
Dan Fernandez
Maxwell Patterson
Rev. Kate Fields
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