Edgehill Community Garden Helps Neighbors Save on Rising Grocery Costs

Gardeners say growing their own food has saved them money as Tennessee families spend over $8,000 a year on groceries on average.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a lush, verdant community garden, with soft pools of warm light and color creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere that evokes the garden's role as a peaceful refuge and source of affordable, nutritious food for local residents.A community garden provides a peaceful oasis and vital food source for a Nashville neighborhood struggling with rising grocery costs.Today in Nashville

A community garden in the Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee has been helping local residents save money on groceries as food prices continue to rise. Gardeners can apply for a plot in the garden to grow their own produce, with any excess being made available to the community. Residents say the garden has been a vital resource, especially for those struggling to afford the high cost of groceries.

Why it matters

With the average Tennessee family spending over $8,000 a year on groceries, community gardens like the one in Edgehill provide an important way for residents to supplement their food budgets and access fresh, affordable produce. The garden also helps address food insecurity in the neighborhood, which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living.

The details

The Edgehill community garden has been operating for over 30 years, with gardening coordinator Brenda Morrow helping to distribute the excess produce to neighbors. Residents like Henry Carey and Yancia Clay, a mother of five, say they've noticed grocery prices continuing to rise and have turned to the garden as a way to save money. Mari Claire Derrick, who works at a local food pantry called The Store, says they've had to open a second location to keep up with demand, but still have thousands of people on a waitlist.

  • The Edgehill community garden kicks off its planting season in the spring.
  • Gardeners expect to begin harvesting their crops in the next 4-6 weeks.

The players

Brenda Morrow

The gardening coordinator who has helped feed Edgehill residents through the community garden for over 30 years.

Henry Carey

An Edgehill resident who has noticed rising grocery prices and relies on the community garden.

Yancia Clay

A mother of five who struggles to afford groceries and utilizes the community garden as a vital resource.

Mari Claire Derrick

An employee at The Store, a local food pantry that has had to open a second location to keep up with demand for free grocery support.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have noticed that they are higher. I am eating a little less and paying a little more.”

— Henry Carey, 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.”

— Yancia Clay

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

— Mari Claire Derrick, Employee, The Store

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Community gardens like the one in Edgehill play a vital role in helping residents access affordable, fresh produce as the cost of groceries continues to rise. These grassroots initiatives provide a way for neighbors to support one another and address food insecurity in their local area.