Martin, Tenn.–The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network announces the START photo winners of this year’s #GrowFoodChallenge, celebrating the launch of a regional local food challenge that inspires residents to grow food, compost food waste, and share their progress for a chance to win fun, local prizes!
On Saturday, May 3rd at the VFW in Milan, TN, the following green-thumbed winners were recognized:
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Johnisha Nelson of Tiptonville, TN, who received $100 cash, sponsored by Beau Monde Vineyard (Martin, TN).
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Ellie Bradford of Dresden, TN, who won 4 tickets to Discovery Park of America (Union City, TN) and a terracotta pot from Pennington Seed and Supply (Dyersburg, TN), valued at $80.
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Laura Larkins of Martin, TN, won a $25 Bigg’s Nursery (Greenfield, TN) gift certificate and a galvanized tin planter with garden supplies from Newbern Hardware Store (Newbern, TN) valued at $75.
But the growing isn’t over yet – it’s just getting started! The #GrowFoodChallenge, which launched on April 12 and runs through July 3, 2025, offers two more chances to win by submitting photos of your garden or composting efforts during the COMPOST and HARVEST themes.
“Growing your own food is one of the most powerful steps you can take to strengthen our local food system,” stated Samantha Smith Goyret, Co-Director of NWTNLFN.ORG. “Every seed planted is a commitment to healthier communities, greater food security, and a more resilient Northwest Tennessee.”
Get Involved & Win Prizes!
The next themed challenge is COMPOST, and it’s open now! All you need to do is snap a photo of your composting setup or activity and submit it by 11:59 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Winners will be announced on Saturday, June 14th at 10 AM via Facebook (@NWTNLFN).
This opportunity is open to individuals, families, schools, childcare centers, organizations, and businesses residing in Northwest Tennessee counties: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley. Only one entry per household per theme is permitted.
FREE Seeds Still Available!
Need seeds to get started? Pick up FREE seeds from any of the 20 local Seed Distribution Sites. Already have seeds? Great – all growers are welcome regardless of seed source.
Let’s Grow Together, Northwest Tennessee!
The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network invites you to dig in, grow your own food, learn to compost, and become a champion for healthy, sustainable living in our region.
Join the movement, share your photos, and win exciting local prizes!
Visit nwtnlfn.org/grow-food-
The Grow Food Challenge is a collaborative project organized by the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network, FFA Student Plant Sale Groups, Seed Programs International, Second Harvest Food Bank, Mary’s Heirloom Seeds, and the Tennessee Environmental Council.
Photo: Ellie Bradford out of 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).