A single potato, and thousands of pounds of produce, tell the story of what’s possible when schools, nonprofits, and donors work together to meet real needs.

Across 16 schools in Knox County, Community School Coordinators, placed through United Way of Greater Knoxville’s (UWGK) Community Schools strategy, work every day to connect students and families with the resources they need to thrive. From academic support to after-school enrichment and health services, their work is built around meeting each school’s unique needs. Sometimes, that support is as essential as ensuring families have access to fresh, healthy food. Over the past year, more than 25,000 pounds of produce was delivered, thanks to a network of partners working together to nourish not just students but entire communities.

Our collaborative approach is at the heart of UWGK’s work. At our recent Community Schools Champions Breakfast, we gathered more than 200 partners who joined us in a panel session around building a healthy community for students. One of our speakers, Charlotte Rodina, Director of Beardsley Farm, shared a creative way to illustrate the many hands involved in getting food to families through the journey of a single potato.

What One Potato Can Teach Us About Community

The potato begins its journey in Jefferson County, where it is harvested by Two Chicks and a Farm and delivered to Beardsley Community Farm, where staff sort and store it. The next day, a parent volunteer from Glen Oak Church brings pre-packed food bags from Second Harvest Food Bank to Beardsley. The bags are then filled with produce, including the potatoes from Two Chicks, and packed by Rotary Club volunteers and other student volunteers. Once ready, the Rotary Club delivers the bags to the elementary school, where the UWGK Community School Coordinator and students distribute them to families in need.

And that’s just one example. Every school distribution looks different. Each site operates based on its own unique needs, partnerships, and leadership. Community School Coordinators work hand in hand with Beardsley to make these food bags possible for many families. That is what sets this initiative apart.

“This is what we do best,” said Chrystal Armstrong Brown, Interim CEO of UWGK. “We bring people and resources together to create real change. Efforts like this are not driven by one person or one group. It takes many hands working together to make lasting impact possible.”

Opening Doors at West View Elementary

One powerful outcome of this support has been the ability to serve students at West View Elementary, a school Beardsley had previously been unable to support. With funding from UWGK, Beardsley hired a bilingual parent ambassador to bridge the gap. West View has a large population of Spanish-speaking families, and the language barrier had limited their access to available food resources. Now, with someone from their own community leading the effort, those families are receiving the support they need.

“We hired a Spanish-speaking mother from West View who now serves as a bridge between the school and families,” Charlotte explained. “She knows the community, understands the need, and makes sure families feel seen and supported.”

“The impact of this support goes far beyond the food itself,” said Adam Fritts, UWGK Community School Director. “When we truly listen to families, educators, and the community, and let their needs guide our decisions, we create lasting change. It opens the door to trust, relationships, and the support that follows.”

Closing the Gaps: How Donor Support Makes  Real Difference

Thanks to recent UWGK Gap Grant support, Beardsley Farm received $50,000 in flexible funding to sustain programming after a significant staffing cut. With AmeriCorps placements reduced, the funding is allowing Beardsley to create a new staff position focused on school-based food distribution. Additionally, Beardsley received $15,000 through a CAC-administered grant, also made possible by UWGK donor support, to expand produce access in schools and grow its refugee gardening program.

“This funding gives us the breathing room to continue doing this work with integrity,” said Charlotte Rodina, Director of Beardsley Farm. “It helps us meet families where they are while adapting to the changes that come with nonprofit work.”

United, We Can Make Lasting Change in Our Community

Behind every box of produce, every garden bed, and every student served is a network of people working together to make it happen. These efforts are only possible because of individuals like you, those who give, volunteer, and believe in collective action.

Donate today to help fuel programs that nourish families and strengthen our schools. Learn more, give, or sign up to volunteer at uwgk.org.