NWTN Local Food Network serves as a catalyst for a thriving, equitable local food system accessible to all Tennesseans. Guided by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s audacious belief that everyone deserves nourishment, education, dignity, and freedom, our staff turns food equity into action across the state.
Through national and state convenings, we continue to connect farmers, educators, policymakers, and communities to strengthen farm to school pathways, local procurement, and resilient food economies. From sharing strategies & fire-talks at the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference to leading sessions at the Tennessee Local Food Summit, to supporting growers at the Pick TN Conference, our team amplifies collaboration and shared learning.
By promoting the Farm2Future Coalition, uplifting producers, and advancing innovative partnerships, NWTN Local Food Network is helping to ensure healthy land, resilient communities, and three meals a day, nourishing bodies, minds, and spirits, for all across Tennessee statewide.
Reflections of the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Caroline Ideus attended the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, December 1-4, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This conference brought together educators, farmers, food service professionals, policymakers, and community leaders committed to building equitable and sustainable food systems.
The Local Food Network was fortunate enough to offer a fire-talk about our Farm to School partnership with Clarksburg School, and present a poster on our UTM-Kenya-LFN project.
The conference strengthened connections between local producers and cafeterias through practical strategies, shared learning, and collaboration. Sessions addressed local procurement, food justice, climate resilience, and nutrition. Interactive workshops and networking highlighted innovative models, advancing local food economies and expanding access to healthy meals nationwide.
Reflections of the TN Local Food Summit
Samantha Smith Goyret and Joyce Klidies attended the Tennessee Local Food Summit, December 5-7, 2025 in Nashville, TN. The Summit brought together farmers, food system leaders, educators, and community advocates to strengthen and advance local food systems across the state.
The Local Food Network was fortunate to offer a Farm to School Strategy session and participate as vendors to promote the Farm2Future Coalition, distribute “Bringing the Farm to School” producer workbook, and present a poster on our UTM-Kenya-LFN project.
The Summit highlighted links between healthy land, resilient communities, and equitable food access. Through interactive sessions, participants explored sustainable farming, food access, and community solutions. Emphasizing collaboration and peer learning, the annual TN Local Food Summit inspires collective action to build inclusive, resilient local food systems across Tennessee.
Reflections of the Pick TN Conference
Caroline Ideus and Samantha Smith Goyret attended the Pick TN Conference, January 15-17, 2026 in Lebanon, TN. The Pick TN Conference provided a dynamic and well-rounded learning experience that highlighted the diversity and innovation within Tennessee agriculture.
The Local Food Network was fortunate to attend as a vendor alongside Healthy Flavors Tennessee to promote the Farm2Future Coalition. We are grateful for the connections made and relationships fortified.
The conference brought together growers, educators, and industry professionals through sessions focused on crop production, beekeeping, agritourism, and farm business development.
Attendees gained practical skills in sustainable production, soil health, and pest management, while strengthening farm businesses through marketing and grant opportunities. Emphasizing community, wellness, and collaboration, the annual Pick TN Conference fosters learning and networking that empowers Tennessee farmers to build resilient, successful agricultural enterprises.
How Martin Luther King Jr. relates to food equity
Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that all people deserve equal opportunity in life regardless of race, income, or background.
“I have the audacity to believe, that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr., 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
This vision speaks directly to the essence of food equity: the right of every person to access nourishing food produced in ways that honor people, land, and community. The powerful quote above, from Martin Luther King, Jr., highlights his vision for universal human rights, encompassing physical needs (food), intellectual growth (education/culture), and spiritual fulfillment (dignity, equality, freedom) for everyone, a core message often shared during MLK Day to inspire efforts against hunger, for education, and for justice. He spoke these words in his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, emphasizing that achieving this requires dedicated, passionate effort from individuals, not just automatic progress.
The NWTN Local Food Network carries this belief forward through its vision to build a sustainable, circular food economy in Tennessee, one that strengthens local farmers, feeds communities, keeps resources circulating locally, and ensures equitable access to healthy food. By cultivating partnerships, education, and collaboration, the Local Food Network works to transform Dr. King’s dream into lived reality across Tennessee.
~Written by Samantha Smith Goyret
NWTN Local Food Network Team Blogger