Edgehill community garden helps neighbors save on rising grocery costs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) -As gardeners got the green light to kick off their planting season, Edgehill’s community garden got straight to work.

“There’s a young man coming by hollering, saying get his tomatoes ready,” said Brenda Morrow, gardening coordinator.

For over 30 years, Morrow has helped feed her neighbors through a community garden in Edgehill.

Gardeners can apply and solidify a spot in the garden to grow whatever they want. What’s left over is left for the community to come by and grab.

WSMV Rising grocery costs drive demand

Late last year, Consumer Affairs reported that on average, Tennessee families are spending over $8,000 a year at the grocery store. Gardeners said they have noticed those prices continue to rise and growing their own food has saved them money.

“I have noticed that they are higher. I am eating a little less and paying a little more,” said Henry Carey, an Edgehill resident.

“Groceries are definitely expensive. Even with the government assistance help, I feel like sometimes that isn’t even enough so you always need extra and this is where I come to,” said Yancia Clay.

Clay has five children. She said trying to keep up with costs is something she and her neighbors struggle with.

“Sometimes a lot of us in the community lack food, and need things, and we always have what we need right here,” Clay said.

Mari Claire Derrick helps at the garden but also works at The Store, which provides free grocery support in Nashville. She said they just opened a second location to keep up with demand, and even that isn’t enough.

“Even with opening a second location we still have a couple thousand people on our waitlist,” Derrick said.

The gardeners said they will begin harvesting in the next four to six weeks and putting food out for people to come and grab.