The Agriculture, Local Food & Public Health Webinar Series is a five-part virtual Lunch & Learn series designed to explore how agriculture and local food systems impact individual, community, and environmental health across Tennessee. Hosted by TN Local Food in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health and the UT Institute of Agriculture, this series brings together experts and practitioners to share innovative approaches, research, and real-world solutions. Participants will gain practical insights and tools to strengthen their work in public health, food systems, and community development.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Dawn Ford, University of Tennessee Chattanooga and Tennessee Public Health Association

Dr. Dawn M. Ford is an epidemiologist specializing in vector-borne disease, climate change impacts, and other areas of environmental epidemiology. She holds a PhD in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from Walden University and is Certified in Public Health. She has worked for local health departments and academic public health, and she is the Past President of the Tennessee Public Health Association. She is currently a faculty member at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Walden University. She is also a business owner and the founder of a non-profit organization.

Femeika Elliott, Rooted East Knoxville 

Femeika Elliott is a dedicated food activist and social justice entrepreneur based in Knoxville, Tennessee, committed to addressing health disparities and promoting food justice within marginalized communities. Her initiatives focus on increasing access to nutritious food, improving  maternal health, and preserving cultural heritage. Femeika is the founder of The Lotus Program Experience and the Rooted East Knoxville Collective.

Dr. Kim Morgan, University of TN Knoxville

Dr. Morgan is an Extension Economist and Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Tennessee, where she works alongside specialty crop industry members throughout the Southeastern U.S. on the unique economic risks inherent to fresh and seasonal produce value chains. Her goals are to improve access to market intelligence, the well-being of the agri-workforce, the sustainability of natural resources, and farm viability and profitability. She holds a PhD in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida.