Giving Grace: The Food Initiative grows healthy food to empower the community - Clarksville Now

The Food Initiative (TFI) is a local nonprofit whose mission is to grow healthy food, empower lives, and build the community. The organization began in 2008 when a group of people saw the need for a positive outlet for young people.

TFI started the program with a small garden plot of less than a quarter of an acre in the Sango area. Today their farm is over 12 acres and includes not only fresh produce but chickens, goats, pigs, honeybees, and more.

TFI Executive Director Michael Hampton shared the vision for the organization.

“A lot of what we do revolves around relationships and building relationships with the environment, your food system, and your community,” Hampton said. “What we want to do is create conversation and create discussion and questions and get people actively involved.”

A portion of the food grown on The Food Initiative’s farm is sold at the Downtown Market in Clarksville, and this year the organization will be at each event from May through October. Much of the fresh produce from the farm is also donated to local hunger relief organizations.

Michael’s wife, Regina Hampton, Program and Creative Director, said their goal this year is to grow 20,000 pounds of produce on the farm and to donate two tons of that to hunger relief organizations.

There are a number of family-friendly events hosted throughout the year by TFI.

April: Annual Hog Roast Hootenanny
June: Passing the Shovel
August: Summer Chow
September: Fine Fettle

The organization has also been a major partner for many years supporting Empty Bowls Clarksville.

The Food Initiative is looking to hire high school students to work in its sustainable garden and with community hunger relief organizations for four weeks over the summer. Thanks to program sponsors, each student receives a stipend each week for their hard work. Applications are being accepted through April 4.

To be considered for a position in TFI’s Summer Youth Program applicants must live and attend high school or homeschool in Montgomery County or Fort Campbell and currently be in the 9th, 10th, or 11th, grade. They must also expect to participate 100% during either June or July.

New this summer will be expanded field trips for students from Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools.

“They are fun, educational, hands-on field trips to help bring the academics taught in school to life when they come to the farm,” said Program and Creative Director Regina Hampton.

For more information about supporting The Food Initiative, visit the official website, or email Regina Hampton at regina@thefoodinitiative.org or Michael Hampton at michael@thefoodinitiative.org.

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