Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church: Karolyn and John Barnes Community Garden
The Alliance’s March membership meeting was held at Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church. Through its Karolyn and John Barnes Organic Garden and the Five Loaves Food Pantry, the Church addresses food insecurity and fosters community engagement in the heart of East Knoxville.
Members learned about the Church and toured the Karolyn and John Barnes Organic Garden, located at 2084 Dandridge Avenue. Led by member Bessie Madison, the Church’s Older Adult Ministry sought assistance from the Alliance in November 2023 in a collaborative effort to transform the overgrown space into 23 raised beds. This is the Church’s second year operating the garden growing mixed greens, okra, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes, herbs and flowers.
Complementing the garden’s efforts, the Five Loaves Food Pantry operates from the same location, providing essential food assistance to those in need. The pantry distributes food every fourth Tuesday of the month, adjusting its hours seasonally: 5:00–6:00 PM from May to September and 4:00–5:00 PM from October to April. This initiative ensures that community members have access to nutritious food year-round as the garden feeds the pantry. The Church estimated harvesting 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables in 2024.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church at (865) 524-0289.
