CONNECT WITH THE LOCAL FOOD COMMUNITY

Farmers. Students. Chefs. Parents. Children. Business owners. Teachers. Gardeners. Chattanooga’s local food community is a diverse group of individuals, businesses and organizations, who believe that local food matters - that how and what people eat affects not just personal health, but also the health of the community, economy and environment. If you are curious about how you or your business can engage with Chattanooga’s local food community, we invite you to explore the following opportunities.

If you are a... Farmer, Chef, or Business Owner:

The Chattanooga area Local Food Program provides a variety of services for farmers, food artisans, chefs, grocers, and business owners. These include use of the Harvested Here label, publication in TasteBuds Local Food Guide and a listing in the Local Food Trade Directory, as well as other marketing materials and opportunities.

Local Food Program

An Eater:

Who doesn’t like to eat good food?!! Whether you’re a visitor to Chattanooga or a long-time resident, these local food guides are a great resource for finding where local food is sold in restaurants and stores in Chattanooga.

Activist or Volunteer

Love to lend a helping hand for your community? Add your name to Gaining Ground’s volunteer list by sending us an email here. Local food-related volunteer opportunities also exist with several local farms and organizations

Gardener or Beekeeper

Affiliated with the Hamilton County Extension Office, the Master Gardeners and Tennessee Valley Beekeepers Association host a variety of workshops, projects, and demonstrations designed to promote the knowledge and love of gardening and beekeeping in Hamilton County. There are also 18 community gardens in Chattanooga that may accept volunteers.

Teacher, Student, or Parent:

Teachers and parents play a unique and valuable role in shaping how the next generation will think about food. For teachers, local resources exist for those interested in incorporating local food into their curriculum, and for parents, Chattanooga’s educational urban farm, children’s museum, and STEP ONE program are great places to start.

Want to learn more about local food research in Chattanooga and across the country? Click here for more resources.