Cul2vate’s mission is based on Matthew 25:35. Jesus gives us a mandate to care for others by saying, “I was hungry, and you fed me.” Cul2vate joins people together who feel it is important to come together to feed the hungry locally – those who suffer from physical hunger, and those who hunger for a fresh start.
Our mission is two-fold:
First, nutritional, produce is grown locally and donated to those without access to fresh vegetables who are food insecure. Did you know that one in five Nashville residents lives in a food desert? Food deserts (as defined by the USDA) are neighborhoods that lack healthy food sources and are usually found in impoverished areas. By providing produce to those in need, hunger can be alleviated one potato or tomato at a time.
Second, those in need of a fresh start are offered a second chance. The individuals growing these fresh, nutritious vegetables donated to combat food insecurity are called “Cul2vators” as they are cultivating new life in the crops they nurture and within their own lives. The Cul2vators are offered part-time work, job readiness, hospitality, forestry, and life skills training. As they develop a Christ-centered plan for their lives, we help by working with local partners, to find them full-time job placement.