The Works and Giving Grove partner to grow food and resilience in Memphis neighborhoods

The Works, Inc., is deepening our commitment to food access and environmental justice through a new partnership with The Giving

Grove, a national nonprofit partnering with programs running community led orchard projects in their cities. Together, the organizations will strengthen support for existing Memphis orchards and expand the city’s local food system with new fruit and nut trees rooted in community care.

"Our mission is to rebuild, restore, and renew Memphis neighborhoods, and that includes how we grow and access food," said Roshun Austin, President and CEO of The Works, Inc. Partnering with The Giving Grove allows us to plant long-term solutions, trees that nourish our neighborhoods for

generations.

Founded in 1998, The Works, Inc. leads efforts to improve housing stability, health equity, and food access throughout Memphis. Its initiatives include The Grocer and Mobile Groce that both bring fresh produce to food deserts, and Works Urban Farms, which supply local produce to residents, businesses, markets, and schools. The organization also operates Memphis Native Tree Works, which will oversee the Giving Grove project. Memphis Native Tree Works operates a nonprofit nursery providing native plants and trees for ecological restoration, food forests, community gardens, and sustainable landscaping projects. They currently oversee gardens and orchards in the Medical district, Soulsville, Klondike, and Frayser.

The Giving Grove, based in Kansas City, MO, brings over a decade of experience in community orchard development. This collaboration represents a renewed investment in Memphis’ orchard network, building on the foundation of earlier planting efforts with strengthened local leadership and community

stewardship.

"Memphis is a city with deep roots and powerful potential," said Ashley Williamson, Co-Executive Director of The Giving Grove. “Orchards have been a part of this city since 2020, and with The Works,Inc. now leading the way, we’re excited to support stewards on the ground and grow impact in neighborhoods that experience both high food insecurity and low tree canopy."

Once mature, each Giving Grove orchard could provide over 7,500 servings of fresh produce per year, while also improving air quality, increasing tree canopy, and building climate resilience. In Memphis, where many neighborhoods face both high food insecurity and low tree coverage, these orchards are

rooted in equity and long-term impact.

To learn more about the project and how you can get involved

contact Mary Schmidt mary.s@theworkscdc.org