Nourishing Lives in Grundy County
Did you know that Grundy County is the 4th poorest county in the state of Tennessee? The opioid crisis remains a serious obstacle in this region where 20 overdoses were reported in just the last three weeks. But even amid these hardships, there is hope.
Our Farm Director, Jimmy Hobbs, is a Grundy County native. He understands firsthand the weight of these struggles but also knows the power of redemption and the potential for healing. A few weeks ago, Jimmy returned to Grundy County alongside our Executive Director, Joey Lankford, and Harvest Director, Adam Harper, to participate in a unity event and donate fresh Cul2vate produce.
During the visit, Jimmy reunited with old friends he once used drugs with – friends who, like him, have found sobriety and are now rebuilding their lives. It was a powerful reminder of how transformation is possible and worth celebrating.
One of the recipients of a donation of Cul2vate produce was Native Song Catering, a mission-driven local business led by Tommy and Char Herman. The couple met while Tommy was battling health issues, and Char came to him for his Native American-style beadwork. She began praying for his healing, and Tommy was moved to visit church with her. A month later, he was baptized. He found faith and purpose after battling homelessness, incarceration, and illness.
Together, Tommy and Char founded Native Song Catering with two commitments: to always cook with love and to source locally whenever possible. Now living in Grundy County, they serve hundreds each month through ministries like Recovery Soldiers Ministry and Life Choices.
Char teaches “Write Your Story,” a life-skills course for women focused on trauma recovery. Together, the Hermans also lead a free six-week culinary course, where students earn a food safety certification. Tommy teaches cooking and food safety, while Char covers business and finances.
Using the produce donated by Cul2vate and meat donated by Green Farms, Native Song prepared nourishing meals like:
- Au gratin potatoes and beef with a homemade cheese sauce
- Vegan Ethiopian cabbage stew made with nearly all Cul2vate vegetables
- Braised collard greens paired with pimento cheese sandwiches
- Rosemary & thyme roasted potatoes, garlic summer veggie medley, and curry veggies that were a big hit with the kids
We are deeply grateful for the incredible work of Native Song and honored to see our farm-grown produce nourishing lives across Grundy County. Partnerships like this multiply our impact, and we praise God for the opportunity to be part of stories like Tommy and Char’s.
Stay tuned for more stories of partnership and redemption!