McKenzie Early Head Start Wins #GrowFoodChallenge Grand Prize

MARTIN — The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network (NWTN LFN) recently announced the winners of its 2026 #GrowFoodChallenge, a regional initiative encouraging youth and families to grow food and reduce food waste. McKenzie Early Head Start earned the challenge's $250 grand prize, and two Weakley County individuals earned second and third place.

This year's challenge engaged 310 participants across Northwest Tennessee who planted gardens, learned new skills and shared their gardening experiences through photo submissions.

2026 #GrowFoodChallenge Winners:

• Grand Prize Winner ($250): McKenzie Early Head Start (Carroll County)
• Second Place Winner ($100): Clayton Ward (Weakley County)
• Third Place Winner ($75): Brooks Crowe (Weakley County)

"The true winners of this challenge are all 310 participants who chose to grow something this year," said Samantha Smith Goyret, co-director of NWTN LFN. "Every seed planted represents healthier families, stronger communities and a more resilient local food system."

The #GrowFoodChallenge encourages individuals, families, schools, childcare centers and community groups throughout Northwest Tennessee's nine-county region to grow food, compost food scraps and share their experiences. Participants discover that gardening can happen anywhere from backyard gardens and raised beds to community plots, patios and windowsills.

This spring, 7,763 free seed packets were distributed throughout the region thanks to generous donations from the International Seed Company and the Society of St. Andrew. NWTN LFN also extended its appreciation to the 15 community organizations and agencies that served as seed distribution partners, helping ensure residents across Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion and Weakley counties had access to free seeds and educational resources.

The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network serves as a catalyst for a thriving and equitable local food system through education, community engagement, farm-to-school initiatives, and local food system development.