The Nashville Food Project’s Community Agriculture Network, as an affiliate of The Giving Grove, is partnering with local organizations to grow community orchards in Nashville.
Planting is expected to begin in early 2026, and applications are now open for orchard sites.
These orchards—some of which will be co-located within community gardens—will increase access to fresh food in low-income, low-access neighborhoods.
Managed by dedicated volunteers, or “orchard stewards,” and supported with training and resources from TNFP and The Giving Grove, these orchards will provide neighbors with fruits, nuts, and berries while creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces.
Beyond food, orchards also improve tree canopy and biodiversity. In urban areas, fruit trees improve the microclimate, retain and regenerate soil, manage storm water runoff, and provide a habitat for biodiversity.
Orchard Partner Criteria
Partner gardens and community orchard partners are required to meet the following criteria prior to joining TNFP’s Community Agriculture Network:
● Reliable water access available on site
● Cleared, flat, sunny area available for planting with at least 8 hours of sunlight per day
● Permission to use the land for a garden or an orchard
● At least two committed garden leaders or orchard stewards
● Relationships with 8-10 additional people who are committed to supporting the project
● Commitment to leading community outreach and engagement and a willingness to work with volunteers
● For orchards, a commitment to sharing fruit free-of-charge with the community
● For partner gardens where food is grown communally, a willingness to collaborate with TNFP to develop a produce distribution plan to increase food access
● Commitment to sustainable, ecologically friendly growing practices
If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to fill out the application to join the Community Agriculture Network. If you do not quite meet these criteria, we would be happy to schedule a meeting with you to discuss next steps.
The Giving Grove
The Giving Grove’s mission is to provide healthy calories, strengthen community, and improve the urban environment through a nationwide network of sustainable little orchards.
We are proud to be an affiliate of this a national 501c3 organization that shares our passion for promoting food access and sees how grow food fosters community connection.
After five years successful programming in Kansas City, Missouri, The Giving Grove began a national action-aligned affiliate network in 2017.
With a goal of growing a strong, sustainable network of orchard programs across the U.S. who share their expertise and best practices, The Giving Grove has steadily brought innovative organizations like The Nashville Food Project into the fold.
The Giving Grove provides technical and financial support for program starts and expansions. It also offers an ongoing opportunity for partner organizations to learn and grow together in a network committed to supporting neighborhood vitality and healthy urban environments.
From planting seedlings to pruning to pest management, The Giving Grove’s educational resource library is assembled from their experience with growing fruit, nuts and berries in over 550 orchards.
Philanthropic Partner
TNFP’s affiliate partnership with The Giving Grove is made possible through the generous support of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. We are grateful for their philanthropic commitment, which helps local nonprofits across the U.S. create, improve, and enhance community gardens and orchards.