“We DIG South Memphis.”
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
Green Leaf Learning Farm is one of only two USDA-certified organic farms in South Memphis. It has provided free educational programming to children in its area for 25 years. GLLF belongs to a larger program called Knowledge Quest - a vision of its founder, Marlon Foster. The farm sits on 30 vacant neighborhood lots and provides fresh produce for what was a food desert.
Mr. Foster grew up in Memphis. He is the fourth generation of his family to do so. Knowledge Quest seeks to empower young people to live and thrive in an area with many challenges and opportunities. South Memphis holds some of the highest rates of poverty, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse in the country.
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
Furthermore, Marlon wanted to offer alternatives to violence and a diversion program for youth. He witnessed the tragedy of gun violence. During his senior year of high school, his best friend was killed by another student with a gun. This experience changed Mr. Foster’s life and led him to develop this organization
He knew he wanted to help improve his community instead of moving away. Foster attended HBCU LeMoyne-Owen College in the area. He studied business and realized the vision of Knowledge Quest as a way to give back. KQ continues to grow in community participation and support each year.
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
Why South Memphis? 95% of residents are African-American with a median age of 28. The zip code’s poverty rate hovers around 56%, whereas Tennessee averages 13% overall. The closest grocery store lies 3 miles away. This organization seeks to model an alternative to the conditions that lead to poverty in South Memphis.
Knowledge Quest and the Green Leaf Learning Farm offer opportunities in South Memphis that are difficult for locals to access otherwise. Students from preK-12 and college may study in the Learning Center or interact with various programming. KQ contains the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, as well.
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
Youth may learn about more than food production. KQ’s Teen Tech Center hosts classes on graphic design, 3D printing, robotics, and more. Each topic offers unique pathways for marketable skills to build careers.
The Green Leaf Learning Farm spreads across 3+ acres of land to grow fresh, organic produce for this Memphis neighborhood. People feel how expensive basic living costs are these days. Students may participate in these programs at no cost to them. This boon helps those who cannot afford expensive but necessary services like after-school programs, pre-K, and childcare.
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
GLLF regularly schedules classes on necessary topics and skills. From composting to beekeeping, residents learn invaluable life skills. There’s a lot of love here for neighbors both human and natural. Often we best help the world by first helping those who live where we are - ourselves and each other.
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
Knowledge Quest works towards its mission of “Vigorously equipping youth and their families to maximize their potential through education, wellness and economic stability.” They stay centered on this goal with their three strategic pillars of community/economic development, food access/security, and student education. Please support their work with your time, talents, or by donating here.
Photo by Green Leaf Learning Farm
Name: Green Leaf Learning Farm
Location: 590 Jennette Place, Memphis, TN, 38126
Meeting Time: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m
Email: lmechols@knowledgequest.org
What’s Growing?
Basil, Beets, Bell Peppers, Blackberries, Bok Choy, Cabbage, Carrots, Cilantro, Cucumbers, Dandelion, Eggplant, Fennel, Flowers, Garlic, Herbs, Kale, Lavender, Lemon grass, Lettuce, Okra, Onions, Oregano, Parsley, Pawpaw, Peppermint, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Summer Squash, Sunflower, Thyme, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon, Zucchini
Want to join our network and have your garden featured on this website? Please fill out our Google Form.
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