This week, our very own Chris Battle—Pastor, founder, and driving force behind Battlefield Farm—was featured on WBIR, sharing a message that continues to guide everything we do:
“Your zip code shouldn’t determine your access to fresh produce.”
As many of you know, the Save A Lot grocery store on Holston Drive—one of the few accessible food sources in East Knoxville—has recently closed. While the sign on the door says it’s for remodeling, the community has not been given a clear timeline or confirmation of what the store will become, or if it will return as a grocery store at all.
For many of our neighbors, especially those without transportation, this change is devastating.
In the WBIR segment, Chris voiced what so many in our community have felt for years: East Knoxville is both a food desert and a food swamp—where access to affordable, fresh produce is limited, while unhealthy, highly processed options are everywhere.
“Just because this is a poorer community doesn’t mean we should be neglected,” Chris told WBIR.
That’s why Battlefield Farm exists. We were born from this need—from the vision of a church that wanted to do more than just hold Sunday services. We’ve turned backyards into garden beds, launched the Veggie Van, and delivered fresh produce directly to neighbors’ front doors. We’ve hosted farmers markets, mentored students, and partnered with organizations across Knoxville to close the gap between food and health.
We’re not just growing vegetables—we’re growing equity, access, and hope.
As Chris reminded viewers, this work is about more than food—it’s about justice. Food is not a luxury. It’s a basic right. And when systems fail, communities rise.
We invite you to watch the WBIR feature here:
▶️ Watch the Full Story
Whether it’s through planting seeds, delivering greens, or advocating for change, we’re not stopping.
Because our community deserves better. And we’re here to grow it—together.
#BattlefieldFarm #FoodJustice #EastKnoxville #VeggieVan #GrowWithUs