Plant It, Snap It, Win It!

🌱 Join the Grow Food Challenge!

Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect time to dig into something fresh. If you’ve ever dreamed of plucking juicy tomatoes from your own backyard or watching your kids marvel at a sprouting seed, the Grow Food Challenge is calling your name!

🍅 What Is the Grow Food Challenge?

The NWTN Local Food Network is inviting YOU (yes, you!) to get your hands dirty and grow something delicious. Whether you’re planting herbs in a windowsill, starting a garden in your backyard, or sprouting greens on your porch, this challenge is for everyone — from seasoned gardeners to curious first-timers.

The goal? To inspire folks across Northwest Tennessee to grow their own food, support local agriculture, and have a blast doing it.

🎯 How to Join the Fun:

Plant Something
Choose your favorite veggie, fruit, herb, or edible flower, and get it growing! (Tomatoes, basil, lettuce — the options are endless!)
Take a Pic
Snap photos of your planting process, your growing garden, or even your harvest. Bonus points for messy hands, smiling faces, and happy plants. 📸
Share It Online
REGISTER HERE => THEN SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS ON OUR SITE (LINKS BEING POSTED SOON) & Post your garden progress on social media and tag #GrowFoodChallenge and @NWTNLFN.
Win Cool Prizes
Each post is a chance to win and have bragging rights. Prizes will be awarded throughout the season!

👩‍🌾 No Green Thumb? No Problem!

This challenge is all about learning, growing, and connecting with your community. Never grown a thing before? Perfect! Now’s your chance. Need tips? The Local Food Network has your back with free resources and seed giveaways. 🌻

💚 Why It Matters

🥕 Growing your own food means healthier meals
🌎 It’s great for the planet (hello, fewer food miles!)
💵 Saves money in the long run
🧠 Gardening = serious stress relief
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It’s a fantastic family activity

📆 When’s the Deadline?

The Grow Food Challenge runs from spring through the early summer. But the sooner you start, the more you can grow! Check the NWTN Local Food Network’s #GrowFoodChallenge webpage for official deadlines and prize announcements.

April 12th -July 5th

Ready, Set, Grow! 🌻

Join the movement. Plant something small. Share something big. And help our Northwest Tennessee community bloom — one garden at a time.

Get growing today! COME AND GROW WITH US! 🌱

OH, AND DON’T FORGET YOUR FREE SEEDS AT THESE LOCATIONS

FREE SEED LOCATIONS

From Saturday, April 12, to July 5, 2025, registered participants in the #GrowFoodChallenge will receive free seeds at a Seed Distribution Site within the 9-county region of Northwest Tennessee. During the challenge, participants may earn up to 3 prize entries by submitting online photos of how they have started their seeds, grown their own food, and composted projects.

EACH HOUSEHOLD RECEIVES 5 SEED PACKETS

Here is the List of Locations:

(GPS is available on mobile devices – Just click on the desired location!)

Steps to Participate in the #Grow Food Challenge

START => REGISTER HERE
Submit Themed Photos. Photos must be taken during the current growing year. Submit up to 1 photo each of your growing food and food waste projects by 11:59 pm by the following photo submission deadlines:
Thursday, May 1, 2025: START (to be linked once Challenge begins)
Thursday, June 12, 2025: COMPOST (to be linked once Challenge begins)
Thursday, July 3, 2025: GROW (to be linked once Challenge begins)
Like our Facebook page @NWTNLFN and join the #Come Post Your Compost program.
Use hashtag #GrowFoodChallenge on social media posts.
Celebrate with us as we announce the themed prize winners via facebook live @NWTNLFN and at 10 am on market Saturdays:
Saturday, May 3rd at 10am: START => To be announced at the VFW in Milan
Saturday, June 14th at 10am: COMPOST => To be announced at McKenzie Early Head Start
Saturday, July 5th at 10am: HARVEST (GRAND PRIZE) => To be announced at the Martin Farmers Market 4th of July Celebration!

PHOTO PRIZE SUBMISSIONS => START. COMPOST. GROW.

All participants must submit themed photo submissions to be eligible for prizes by by 11:59pm of the deadline date. Click on the images below to submit your #GrowFoodChallenge photo for that theme. Photos must be taken during the current growing year.

Click on the category images below to access our online photo submission form – one submission per household only. TN Residents eligible in the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Lake, Henry, Gibson, Obion & Weakley.