On Tuesday, October 15th, the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network announced this year’s 2024 Local Food Hero Awardee at the Mid-South Farm to School Celebration at Cowen Blackberry Farm. There were 50 stakeholders from Arkansas and West Tennessee present including farmers, school nutrition directors, state agency representatives, organizations and community partners to celebrate Stockyard Market receiving this year’s Local Food Hero Award.
“The Local Food Hero awards bring attention to individuals and family farms who deserve to be recognized, and whose work is integral to the sustanence of our local food system,” stated Samantha Goyret, Co-Director of the NWTN Local Food Network.
The Local Food Hero awards Farmers who demonstrate leadership in our communities by:
- Adhering to responsible environmental and/or social practices
- Producing high-quality products and/or services
- Positively impacting the local economy
- Committing to building and maintaining a robust local food system
Over the past year, Clay & Holland Brewer have been working with local school districts in Gibson County, TN by working with Milan and Trenton Special School Districts to offer local foods onto kids’ lunch trays. Holland manages the Stockyard Market while Clay manages the Trenton Regional Stockyard.
“They have given local producers the opportunity to sell their locally raised cattle within the community,” stated Caroline Ideus, Co-Director, Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network. “Stockyard Market offers a variety of local products. They are serving as a community based food store by allowing various farmers, food artisans, and the Gibson County FFA local market opportunities within our very own communities in Northwest Tennessee, with a particular focus of sourcing local beef into local schools.”
Together we are cultivating a thriving and equitable local food system for all in our region! Join us by shopping local, supporting farmers, joining our network, and learning more about our local farmers at nwtnlfn.org/food-resources.