Tera Ashley, Director of Food Access

A Georgia native, Tera moved to Nashville in 2004 to attend university. Shortly after graduating, the documentary Food, Inc. hit the scene and she subsequently did a deep dive into the issues within the American food system. Spurred on by her reading, she became an AmeriCorps*Vista Member, serving for over two years as an organic, urban farmer for Trevecca University’s J.V. Morsch Center for Social Justice. Bit by the agriculture bug, she apprenticed at Caney Fork Farms for two years before going on to manage organic, no/low-till vegetable operations across Middle TN, including those at Heritage Preservation Farm, Farm Nashville, Caney Fork Farms, and her own operation, Magpie Farm.

In early 2022, she founded Sweet Radish, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that matches CSA shares from regenerative farms to New American families experiencing food insecurity. She believes strongly in community engagement, and currently serves on the boards of Tennessee Organic Growers Association (TOGA), Tennessee Women in Green (TWIG), and the Nashville Food Co-op (NFC). She is currently earning her M.S. in Sustainability from Lipscomb University. Tera is dedicated to co-creating a food system that is just and equitable for all, and is thrilled to join in the work that The Nashville Food Project is doing!

Maggie Atchley, Volunteer Engagement Manager

A Knoxville native, Maggie spent her childhood soaking up as much time outdoors as possible. Through hiking trails in the Smokies and helping her dad in their family garden, she developed a deep appreciation for nature and a conviction to protect the environment she so dearly loved. While studying Sustainability Sciences at Furman University, she began to dig into the intersection of food justice and sustainable agriculture, recognizing the importance of improving environmental and community wellbeing in tandem. From there, she stepped outside the classroom to glean lessons from those pushing for change locally by working with food access groups in Greenville and internationally by travelling to Costa Rica to engage with activists working towards food systems transformation. 

Inspired by everything she had learned, she returned to Knoxville post-graduation to serve with CAC AmeriCorps assisting with food recovery at the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Office of Sustainability. She now joins the TNFP team excited and empowered to ignite change in the Nashville food scene by bringing volunteers together to grow, cook, and share in our space. She believes fiercely in the power of food to unite communities, and as a relentless optimist and extrovert, she looks forward to building relationships with all of our partners and volunteers that help TNFP fight hunger and poverty in Nashville. When not at TNFP, Maggie loves to spend her time reading, exploring the outdoors, doing yoga, and gathering her friends together for dinners and board game nights. 

Peter Burns, Director of Growing Together

Peter grew up in Natchez, MS. Trading the lowlands for the Blue Ridge he graduated from Appalachian State University where he studied anthropology, sustainable development, and renewable energy. This study developed a keen interest in the relationship between food production and environmental justice, recognizing that agriculture is the nexus between ecology, community, culture, and economic injustice. Following his passion for food and community he moved to Nashville in 2011 to live and work in the agricultural neighborhood Bells Bend. He spent the next 10 years managing small scale sustainable farms in the neighborhood. Peter then joined the sustainable landscaping cooperative Nashville Foodscapes as a worker-owner, eventually being elected to represent his fellow workers interest on the governing board of the cooperative. Inspired by the work of The Nashville Food Project and the mission of the Growing Together Program, he joined the organization and has served as the program director since March of 2023. When not at work Peter enjoys kayaking, concerts, NSC games, as well as spending time with his loved ones and dog Jasper.

Brad Clark, Meals Coordinator

Brad is a south Nashville native who brings with him a deep passion for food and community building. Before stepping into this role, he worked as a social worker with two of The Nashville Food Project’s partner sites, where he saw firsthand how food can be a powerful tool for connection and support. His experience in social work deepened his commitment to addressing food insecurity and building relationships that foster a stronger, more inclusive community.

In addition to his background in social work, Brad has worked in sandwich shops and delis across Nashville. Through those experiences, he developed a love for crafting delicious meals  and the camaraderie that comes with working in a kitchen.

Now he’s excited to merge his passion for food with his drive to serve others, helping to create nourishing meals that bring people together. Outside of work, Brad enjoys cooking with friends, playing cards, and watching movies.

Mike Forester, Community Meals Partnership Manager

Mike first came to Nashville in 2011 for college. Coming from the northeast, he found that the city had a certain charm to it, a different feel, and he came to love it right away.

Another thing Mike loves is food, and he believes everyone should have access to it as a basic human right. Having worked in restaurants back home and here in Nashville, he started learning more about broader aspects of food systems and preparation, and what all goes into getting food on someone’s table.

Life brought him back to Nashville in 2023, and as someone who loves Nashville and food, he discovered TNFP and began volunteering. Discovering the organization’s commitment to improving food access and sustainability in the city, he became more interested in our mission and has now moved into the space full-time.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys exploring the many different neighborhoods in Nashville, watching soccer, hiking, cooking and spending time with his two cats.

Bilal Farooq, Meals Coordinator

Born Lamar Bilal Farooq, Bilal is originally from Detroit, MI. He graduated from Hunters Lane High School here in Nashville, TN. He decided to go into the culinary industry because he takes pride in the nutritious values of food. In high school, he had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing culinary program that led to his love of being in the kitchen. He hopes to one day have a nonprofit of his own that engages in the lives of youth ages 15-26 and helps them navigate through the walks of life. One of his favorite quotes is, “love and be loved!” If you show love, love will be given in return! He has always strived to be a blessing in the lives of the people/community around him. Working at the Food Project is an extension of that and he believes it will enable him to gain the resources he needs to be a leader in bettering our community, by serving meals to touch the hearts of others. His favorite things to do are singing and being some type of motivation to others.

Mitch Hale, Distribution Coordinator

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Mitch is a playwright and expert in the coffee trade. He relocated to Los Angeles following the success of one of his plays and wound up staying for 23 years. Mitch was the managing partner at Cafecito Organico in LA - a popular coffee roasting/retailing company. In December of 2023 he relocated to Nashville having retired from the coffee business during the pandemic. And fortunately, less than a year later found his way to the Distribution Coordinator position at The Nashville Food Project.

Ron Harris, Meals Coordinator

Born and raised in Nashville, Ron attended culinary school in Louisville, Kentucky. After school, he experienced cooking in various kitchens such as Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Vanderbilt, and Marriott Hotel. He put down his knives for a while and pursued a career in HIV advocacy with Nashville CARES for five years before returning to the kitchen. He recently closed on a new home in North Nashville and enjoys watching movies, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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Sarah Henning, Marketing & Communications Manager

Sarah grew up on a family farm in South Dakota. Generations of growers on both sides of her family taught her about hard work, community, and the challenges facing American farmers. She also learned that picking rocks was not her dream job. But that early connection to the land laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and to telling the stories of people who are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Although her family’s fields were full of soybeans and feed corn destined for export, she and her brothers experienced food insecurity, had limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and relied on federal programs including WIC and SNAP. Working for The Nashville Food Project and serving neighbors in similar circumstances is a privilege and an opportunity to give back a fraction of the help this country gave her as a child.

Before joining the nonprofit world, Sarah worked for a decade as a daily newspaper journalist. Since then she’s dedicated her career to mission-driven nonprofit work, leading marketing and public relations efforts for organizations like the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the University of Alaska Anchorage, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

At heart, Sarah believes in the power of storytelling to build understanding and spark positive change.

Outside of work, you'll find her soaking up live music, reading, hiking, and traveling whenever and wherever possible, most recently Turkey, Costa Rica, and Portugal. In addition to fostering dogs through the Nashville Humane Association, she’s doted on 70 dogs and counting as a Rover.com substitute dog mom. Tell your dog ‘hi’ and give them some scritchy scratches from her!

Andrew Jordan, Office Manager

Andrew is a Nashville native that grew up going on creek walks and exploring the woods around his house. Serving others and working to create a more equitable world were values that were instilled in him from a young age. After graduating from Hendrix College in Arkansas, he worked at a small college in North Carolina where he met his wife. When she went to South Africa, Andrew moved to California where he received his Masters in Religious Studies. He moved back to Nashville in 2010 and has spent his working life in the nonprofit world. Before joining The Nashville Food Project, Andrew worked for the United Methodist Church and PENCIL.

When he's not working, Andrew loves to cook, dabble in linocuts, read, and spend time playing with his wife and kids.

Jaffee Judah, Community Garden Coordinator

Jaffee Judah is a community leader, artist, and podcaster known for his work in hip-hop, reggae, and spoken word. His latest EP, R.B.G (Rise. Build. Grow), promotes health, wellness, and leadership through music. As the author of "Blkblood Vol. 1 (From Prison To Prayer Through Poetry)", Jaffee shares his journey from hardship to healing, inspiring others to rise above challenges.

Jaffee is the founder & CEO of Recycle & Reinvest, a non-profit that is revitalizing low-income neighborhoods in Nashville while mentoring youth in leadership. Since 2018, Jaffee has led community cleanups of over 50 neighborhoods and mentored over 30 youth. In 2024 he received the WZTV HomeTown Hero Award for his commitment to community service. His latest works include his podcast and his EP, R.B.G (Rise. Build. Grow) which promotes health, wellness, and leadership through music.

 As the author of "Blkblood Vol. 1 (From Prison To Prayer Through Poetry)", Jaffee shares his journey from hardship to healing, inspiring others to rise above challenges. Through his Blk Blood Voices podcast, Jaffee champions environmental justice, healthy hip-hop culture, and entrepreneurship.

 Guided by faith and inspired by Marcus Garvey's words, "With confidence, you have won before you have started," Jaffee remains dedicated to uplifting others and creating positive change.

Sarah Lehner, Grants Manager

Originally from Wisconsin, Sarah Lehner found her passion for community-driven change on the shores of Clearwater Beach, Fla., as an oceanfront lifeguard and American Studies student at Eckerd College. Amid the tides and sunshine, her commitment to sustainability and social impact took root — igniting a lifelong dedication to building stronger, more connected communities.

In 2008, Sarah moved to Nashville, drawn by a deepening desire to serve. Over the past two decades, she has built a career in grant writing, fund development, and nonprofit communications, bringing strategic insight and a heart for advocacy to every organization she supports. As Grants Manager at The Nashville Food Project, she champions TNFP’s mission to cultivate community and alleviate hunger, believing that nourishing food is a fundamental human right.

Sarah’s work is shaped by her steadfast belief in the power of community to create lasting change. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with organizations addressing food security, education, women’s rights, housing instability, environmental care, independent journalism and media, human trafficking, independent music, and financial literacy. She thrives on connecting resources to meaningful programs, building relationships that fuel impact, and fostering partnerships that empower communities to thrive.

She has always been drawn to the heart of a community—the places where people create, connect, and care for one another. From supporting local artists and small businesses to supporting nonprofits that shape lives, her time in Nashville is deeply rooted in locally grown interests. She played a key role in TennGreen’s campaign to save Cummins Falls and later became the first Development Director for The Contributor, where she witnessed firsthand how food security transforms lives for those facing poverty and housing instability.

Beyond work, Sarah finds joy in the simple and wild — backpacking with her two children, dancing, crafting, and celebrating life’s milestones with family and friends. Her Certified Wildlife Habitat garden is a flourishing haven for butterflies and bees. A Master Swimmer, avid camper, and bluegrass festival regular, she also volunteers at TEDx Nashville, staying engaged in big ideas and community storytelling.

Ashley Lewis, Strategic Partnerships & Events Manager

Ashley grew up in the Nashville area and treasures the community that she calls home. She regularly volunteered at Room In the Inn at her church growing up which sparked her philanthropic heart at a young age. She studied Marketing at Middle Tennessee State University. After college, she pursued her dream of working in the music industry for several years. The pandemic forced her to focus on other interests and shifted the course of her career. She has always been passionate for sustainability and feeding our neighbors facing hunger which led her to start her non-profit career at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. At Second Harvest Ashley was responsible for managing fundraising events, the food drive program, and represented Second Harvest in the community. Ashley believes that food is a human right that everyone deserves. She really admires that The Nashville Food Project provides not just food, but nutritious meals made with love and dignity. Ashley is thrilled to continue her work in food justice at The Nashville Food Project.

In her free time, she enjoys staying active and being outdoors as much as possible. Some of her hobbies include getting out to see live music, trying new restaurants, kayaking, yoga, roller skating, hiking, cooking, and making jewelry.

Cacey Lewis, Community Agriculture Partnership Coordinator

Lindsey McKee, Community Agriculture Education Manager

Lindsey's deep passion for food justice and land stewardship started with gardening in her grandmother's backyard. She grew up in the Nashville area, however, moved away for school and career opportunities. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Memphis in Anthropology and History with a focus on food. She then moved to New Mexico to further her studies in food access and sustainable food systems. While there, she worked as a FoodCorps service member, as a farmworker on multiple small scale regenerative farms, and even helped start a community farm. The community farm was based on herself and a friend being landless femme farmers who wanted to grow food for and with their community, while being in relationship with the land. However, she knew she wanted to return to the southeast, and first landed in Birmingham, AL where she managed school garden sites. Not long after, she found The Nashville Food Project and is excited to be back in this area to do what she loves. 

Outside of work, you can catch her hiking with her dog, doing yoga, being on the river or watching movies! 

Amelia Morrison, Accountant

Amelia grew up in Mississippi, where her family’s garden instilled in her a love for sustainable living and healthy eating. Passionate about non-profit accounting, she’s grateful to have found a role at TNFP blending her personal values and professional skills. 

Her personal growth outside of work has recently shifted from competitive powerlifting to practicing meditation and hypnosis. She is still involved in the sport as a coach and judge and looks forward to incorporating what she has learned into her wellness practice. She shares a home with her daughter and two pups.

Toni Newsome, Meals Coordinator

Toni is from Memphis but made her way up to Nashville about two years ago. She joined the staff of The Nashville Food Project after a few nights of volunteering here. She loves to cook and create joy through food.

In Toni’s own words, “I think The Nashville Food Project is such a great place to work and give back to the community. I feel welcome here and will always encourage others to volunteer, cook, recycle, and grow with us at the Food Project.”

David Price, Meals Coordinator

David Price is almost a Nashville native (which counts as local these days) having lived on every side of the city at least once since he was transported here at age 4. He always manages to find work on the exact opposite side of town that he’s living so he has lots of time for self-reflection while sitting in traffic.

In his spare time, which is almost inconsequential, he enjoys hiking, thrifting, perusing records, and cooking/eating vegetables and other things that didn't have a mother or a face.

Technologically David is a Boomer, socially he is Gen X, and by way of media consumption he is Gen Alpha (Read: he hates computers, goes to bed at 8:30 p.m., and knows all the music your kid listens to and how to talk to them in their vernacular).

He loves all animals but is most fond of the ones someone tends to and that don't shed on his wardrobe of typical black T-shirts. His favorite color is grey but he does not own a grey guitar or feel so symbolic.