Since its inception in 2014, the Concord United Methodist Church Community Garden has blossomed into a beacon of hope and nourishment for the Knoxville community. Located at 11020 Roane Drive, this garden is more than just a place where vegetables grow; it is a testament to the power of collective effort and faith in action.
The garden’s primary mission is to combat food insecurity by providing fresh produce to those in need. Remarkably, 100% of the harvest is donated to local food pantries and feeding ministries, including the Shepherd of Hope Food Pantry. Since its establishment, the garden has donated over 60,000 pounds of fresh produce to 12 different locations in the Knoxville and Lenoir City areas, impacting over 1,000 individuals locally.
The garden thrives on the dedication of its volunteers. Regular “Garden Parties” are held on Monday and Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to noon, and Thursday evenings from 4:30 PM until dusk. These gatherings are open to all, offering opportunities for community members to connect, learn, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
The Church partners with Lenoir City 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts, 5 churches in the area, the Society of St. Andrews, 4 farmers’ markets to name a few. In addition to providing food, the garden supports a Flower Ministry that distributes over 6,500 flower stems annually from the floral committee to shut-ins and participants of the Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services (CADES) program. The garden is also a certified Monarch Butterfly Way Station and Wildlife Habitat, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Mike Smith at michael09071948@gmail.com
