The #GrowFoodChallenge is off to an inspiring start! Launched on April 12, 2025, the challenge is bringing together individuals, families, schools, and community groups across Northwest Tennessee to take action by growing food and building healthy soil. And now, we’re thrilled to announce the START round prize winners!
Over the past few weeks, gardens have come to life on porches, schoolyards, backyard plots, and windowsills. Participants submitted photos showing their creative ways of planting seeds, nurturing sprouts, and setting the groundwork for an abundant harvest. The submissions were heartfelt, hopeful, and full of growth!
START ROUND PRIZE WINNERS
Ellie Bradford from Dresden, TN, won 4 tickets to Discovery Park of America in Union City with a Pennington Seed and Supply (Dyersburg, TN) Terracotta pot (Worth $80).
Johnisha Nelson from Tiptonville, TN, won $100 in cash sponsored by Beau Monde Vineyard out of Martin, TN.
Laura Larkins, from Martin, TN won a $25 gift certificate to Bigg’s Nursery in Greenfield with a Newbern Hardware Store – Galvanized Tin Planter with Garden Supplies (worth $75)
Each submission showcased a unique and enthusiastic approach to getting started, from little hands digging into the soil at home to innovative seed starters using recycled containers. We applaud your efforts and can’t wait to see how your gardens grow!
A Huge Thank You to Our Local Prize Donors!
Beau Monde Vineyards, we were truly delighted and deeply appreciate receiving your generous gift to the NWTNLFN. Your support is not only a wonderful surprise but also a meaningful contribution to our mission. Thank you for your kindness and for standing with us in our efforts to strengthen our local food system.
Support Beau Monde Vineyards at
1300 Pleasant Hill Road, Martin, TN, United States, Tennessee
larry@beaumondevineyards.com
THANK YOU SO MUCH for the $25 Gift Certificate to Biggs Greenhouses, Inc., a trusted local favorite in Greenfield, TN!
Family-owned and locally grown, Biggs has been providing high-quality plant starts for years, helping our community bloom one garden at a time.
Find them at: 3411 N Meridian St, Greenfield, TN 38230
Stop by and see why locals love Biggs for all their gardening needs!
We want to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT AND THANK YOU to Newbern Hardware Store for the donation of the Galvanized Tin Planter with Garden Goodies given as a prize for the #GROWFOODCHALLENGE START COMPETITION! We appreciate you!
Newbern Hardware Store
A big THANK YOU to Pennington’s in Historic Downtown Dyersburg for donating a beautiful terracotta pot for our Grow Food Challenge!
Located at 214 S Mill Ave, Pennington’s is your go-to spot for gourmet flavored pecans and unique gifts! https://www.facebook.com/penningtonseedandsupply/
Shout Out & Thank You!
A HUGE thank you to Discovery Park of America for generously donating tickets as a prize for the Grow Food Challenge!
Located in Union City, TN, Discovery Park is a one-of-a-kind destination where science, history, and fun come to life for the whole family. From hands-on exhibits to beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone to explore!
Show them some love and plan your visit: www.discoveryparkofamerica.com
What’s Next in the #GrowFoodChallenge?
📸 COMPOST Round Photo Deadline: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Show us how you’re reducing food waste! Whether you’re layering a bin, turning a pile, or teaching kids how composting works—snap a photo and submit it to earn another prize entry.
🗓️Join us for the next prize announcement:
Saturday, June 14th at 10 am @ McKenzie Early Head Start (COMPOST Winners!)
Don’t forget to:
Like us on Facebook @NWTNLFN
Use the hashtag #GrowFoodChallenge
Submit your themed photos at the official challenge website
Encourage neighbors to register, grow, and give back
From all of us at the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network, THANK YOU for planting seeds of change. Together, we’re building a future where local food is accessible to all.
Let’s keep growing—one seed, one photo, and one act of sustainability at a time. 🌿
We Had About 40 Photo Submissions to Win the First Round Prizes. Can We Double the Number of Submissions for the Compost Prizes? Remember, Photography Skills Aren’t Necessary. The Winners are Selected By Spinning The #GrowFoodChallenge Wheel For All Entries!
