With our focus on local this month, we thought it the perfect time to recognize our own Co-op Member-Owners who also happen to be Nashville area farmers and makers. These farmers and purveyors have graciously invested in the co-op by purchasing a membership. We’re excited to partner with them and one day sell their goods and products at the Nashville Food Co-op.
The sooner we grow our membership, the sooner we can begin supporting our local farmers and producers year-round. Become a member today and help us take one step further!
Say hello to our local farmers & makers
Photo Credit: Bloomsbury Farm
Lauren Palmer of Bloomsbury Farm
Lauren is the farmer owner of the sprawling 400-acre Bloomsbury Farm in Smyrna. She basically built the farm from the ground up and first began selling her organic veggies and sprouts at local farmers’ markets.
You can still find the farm’s harvest at local markets, but she’s expanded her reach to businesses, Nashville area grocery stores, and seasonal CSA baskets.
But Bloomsbury Farm is more than just a place to grow food. It’s a space for the community to gather for Friday evening fun, and where forest school for the kiddos is hosted, not to mention summer camps, a wedding venue, and an AirBnB for a secluded escape from the city.
Hang out at the farm for Flower Moon Fest this weekend. They’ll have various vendors and activities, along with food, champagne, flowers, AND a bonfire complete with a smores bar.
Photo Credit: Sounding Stone Farm
Caroline McDonald of Sounding Stone Farm
Caroline is a first-generation farmer and owner/operator of Sounding Stone Farm in Joelton. Sustainably grown food, earth friendly farming, and nourishing the community are all important aspects of her company.
Caroline uses every bit of space in her ½ acre lot to grow mixed lettuces, herbs, peppers, carrots, edible flowers, and companion plants. Her summer CSA, ‘The Salad Club’ is completely full, but you can still find her produce at the Richland Park Farmers’ Market, Tony’s Foodland in Joelton, and if you’re a chef- at Nashville Grown.
See what Caroline her team are up to on her Instagram Page.
Photo Credit: Bells Bend Farm
Eric Wooldridge of Bells Bend Farms
Eric is a rare Nashville area native, outdoor lover, and string band aficionado. He became the farm manager at Bells Bend Farms after volunteering throughout the farm’s startup phase in the early 2000’s.
You’d think the farm was nestled in the rolling hills in middle-of-nowhere Tennessee, but the 40 acre farm is actually located just 15 minutes outside of downtown in northwest Davidson County.
The farm produces chemical-free, fresh produce of all kinds and even hops for a Yazoo brew, the seasonal Bells Bend Preservation Ale. You can find Bells Bend produce each Saturday at Richland Park Farmers’ Market, through their CSA, and online at bellsbend.locallygrown.net.
Want to check out the farm AND see what the old-time string band craze is all about? Join Eric at the farm for the season’s first Spring Square Dance. Find all the details on their Facebook events page.
Photo Credit: TN Artisan Honey
Carol Hagen of Queen Bee Pollinators / TN Artisan Honey
You may have had Carol’s famous creamed honey drizzled over a dish or in a scratch made salad dressing in a Nashville eatery, or in a small batch beer from Tennessee Brew Works. Carol picked herself back up after the market collapsed and left her high-end jewelry business and software firm in shambles.
No stranger to starting and growing a company, she began purveying creamed honey at the Nashville farmers’ market and business has boomed. She partners with Strange Honey Farm out of East Tennessee for her flavor infused artisan creamed honey. Want your own? You can find her products at several farmer’s markets around the city.
Want to learn more about the Nashville Food Co-op? Join us for our next Information Session on Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at the West Precinct. RSVP on our Facebook Event Page.