Budget
$50,000.00
Description
Over 50% of the produce we grow is given away to help eradicate food deserts in Middle TN. We work with partner organizations to deliver fresh and nutritional food to underserved communities. Much of that produce is donated via partners such as OneGenAway, Mercy Chefs, The Nashville Food Project, The Branch, Second Harvest, and more.
Program Successes
As an example, by providing food to The Branch and Bellevue Community Food Bank, recipients of their food bank items also receive fresh produce. We help to provide a more well-rounded experience and dignity for people living in food deserts.
Beneficiaries
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Long-term Success
Over the years, Cul2vate has grown from producing 10.000 pounds of produce to 500,000 pounds estimated for 2024. By continuing to grow our urban farm footprint, even more fresh, nutritious produce can be distributed where it is needed most is a big part of our mission. It also gives a sense of purpose to the Cul2vators working on the farm. Long term, improving the health and wellness of people in need improves health and even schooling, helping to break the generational cycle food deserts bring.
Short-term Success
Short term, we are on track to provide over 250,000 meals to people in need in 2024. By continuing to increase our urban food footprint, we can make an even greater impact in this project.
Program Success Monitored By
We track produce grown, donated, sold, and where produce is going. This way, we can be sure to communicate with our partners to improve the types of produce their clients prefer.
Program Areas Served
Davidson County, Williamson County

Budget
$690,000.00
Description
Cul2vate employs and trains people in need of a second chance - many of whom are out of incarceration or in recovery. After helping them build skills in farming, life skills, and job readiness, we seek to help them find their next steps, whether that is other part-time employment, missionary work, or full-time employment. Industry experts are brought in to provide training in everything from crop planning to forestry to personal finance. To date, Cul2vate has hired 4 Cul2vators who are now on staff. Many graduates have gone into other nonprofit work, to full time employment in hospitality, and more.
Program Successes
Currently, 4 staff members are Cul2vate graduates. Our Farm Manager, Jimmy, spent 22 years in prison and now runs our farm, grows and leads current Cul2vators, and continues to improve as a manager. Adam is the Coordinator of Retail and Food Safety. He has improved in the at role, and our Farm Store is more successful than ever this year. Josh, Adam's assistant, continues to work hard, mentor current Cul2vators, and is growing in his responsibly and even in his literacy.

We also have graduates who work at partner organizations - Men of Valor, Narrow Gate, and more. One graduate now runs his own nonprofit with his wife in the Philippines. Seeing graduates continue to do good works is a great measure of success.
Beneficiaries
People with substance use disorder
Formerly incarcerated people & incarcerated people
Unemployed, Underemployed, Dislocated
Long-term Success
The biggest long term success we have seen with Cul2vators is the incredible way they return to and support Cul2vate. Cul2vate Graduates have recommended new Cul2vators, and many attend graduations and meetings to remain a part of the Cul2vate Community. By providing examples and mentorship to new and upcoming Cul2vators, Graduates have become incredible advocates for what they have learned and how they have grown from Cul2vate.
Short-term Success
Short term, our current Cul2vators are exceptional and have become friends. It has truly been a blessing to hear stories of people who would not be friends had they not come to Cul2vate. Being able to surround Cul2vators with community and encouragement serves to compel them to continue working hard - in the fields and on themselves.
Program Success Monitored By
Success is monitored by our staff. We are continually improving and engaging new mentors and resources for our Cul2vators. We measure success not by the graduation rate, but by the impact that Cul2vate has had in people's lives.
Program Areas Served
Davdison County, Williamson County

Budget
$30,000.00
Description
Individuals are trained in partnership with the UT Agricultural Extension services over the course of several weeks. Training includes farming basics, plant health, pest control, seedling propagation, crop planning and more. UT Ag Extension has even developed a Master Gardener-type training specifically for Cul2vate!
Category
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition  - Agriculture 
Beneficiaries
People with substance use disorder
Economically disadvantaged people
Formerly incarcerated people & incarcerated people
Long-term Success
Long term, we have improved our training, ha e increased our number of students, and have even been able to include community stakeholders who would benefit from training. Long term, we have had several people go in to agriculture, and we hope that that trend will continue as we encourage people to pursue a career in agriculture.
Program Areas Served
Davidson, Williamson Counties, TN

Description
Our mandate is to meet acute hunger needs both physically and spiritually. First and foremost, Cul2vate is a spiritual discipleship. By engaging physical hunger in order to address a spiritual hunger, the greatest unfed hunger in the world is met.
Program Areas Served
None