Bus 4 Better Health: The Fight for a Healthier East Knoxville
Who We Are: Hello! We are Atleana, Landon, Reagan, and Walker, students at the University of Tennessee. We are raising money for Battlefield Farm, a Knoxville nonprofit combatting food deserts by providing fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.
Mission: Battlefield Farm serves as a vital resource for underserved communities in East Knoxville, particularly the 37915 area code. Battlefield Farm fights against food insecurity by providing fresh produce, land education, and workforce development to the communities that need it most. We are working to raise funds for a mobile grocery store, which will deliver nutritious ingredients to individuals and families without direct access to grocery stores or supermarkets. As you follow along with our campaign, we will be sharing personal perspectives on how fresh produce shows up in our daily lives, and how important it is that everyone has access to nutritious food.
Meet The Team: Who’s on the Bus 4 Better Health?
Hey! I’m Walker Henderson, a third-year student from Memphis, Tennessee studying finance. I was particularly drawn to Battlefield Farm for their local mission and approach to combatting food deserts. I enjoy all things food and cooking-related, so I’m excited to help this initiative beyond my time in this jclass.
Hello! My name is Landon Easter, a third-year student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am from Kingston, Tennessee, and, for those unfamiliar with the area, it is about 30 minutes Southwest of Knoxville. I was drawn to help support BattleField Farm because the mission reminds me of my hometown. Even though I grew up in Kingston, my house and schools are located outside of town, surrounded by farmland. I know just how important fresh produce is to a community and to one's physical health. With that being said, I am thrilled to be help with this mission.
Hi everyone! My name is Atleana Murrell, a first-year Public Affairs student from Memphis, TN. I plan on attending law school after graduation, during which I hope to study and advocate for public health advancements across underserved communities. My passion for public health drew me to the mission of Battlefield Farm and its work centered on providing healthy food options for all. I am a firm believer that nutrition affects all aspects of an individual’s wellness, which is why I am so excited to be apart of the fight against food insecurity in East Knoxville.
Hi! My name is Reagan Bell, I’m a second year Finance student from Charlotte, NC. I plan on getting my MBA after graduation. I’m studying aboard my junior year of college and I plan to go to Barcelona. My passion for non-profit started with my involvement in my sorority, giving back to the community ignited my passion for helping others. Battlefield farm helps others gain access to fresh produce which I value coming from a family who owns their own farm and grows their own food. Battlefield farm helps fight food disparity in East Knoxville and is important to helping the 37915 area, with its mission and our help we can make a difference.
Why Is This A Problem?: Many residents in East Knoxville, specifically the 37915 and 37914 areas, are forced to rely on low-nutrient processed foods. The USDA identifies at least 20 food deserts across Knoxville. Food deserts are areas where the poverty rate is 20% or greater and at least 33% of the population lacks access to a supermarket or large grocery store within a 1-mile radius.
