Our Story
In our rural East Tennessee farming communities, the very places where crops are grown to feed the world, many face food insecurity and the issues associated with it. Century Harvest Farms Foundation grew out of the desire to fill that gap. After almost a decade of sustainable farming and producing grass-fed beef, owner of Century Harvest Farms, Chris Burger, wanted to share the farm with his community. In 2017, Chris met then homeless service coordinator, Jen Patterson, and they shared the belief that all individuals and families deserve access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food.
Upon result, they piloted a small-scale program that taught agricultural skills and gave participants access to fresh produce. After piloting the program, they knew that the needs of the community were far greater than just food. During this time, they decided to expand past the program to create Century Harvest Farms Foundation that is focused on empowering, training, and helping folks who are in recovery to become employed and create sustainable futures for their lives.
During this time, they decided to expand past the program to create Century Harvest Farms Foundation that is focused on empowering, training, and helping folks who are in recovery to become employed and create sustainable futures for their lives. Since March 13th, 2018, CHF has helped to empower and employ over 100 people through our From the Ground Up Program and expanded our non-profit programming into Knoxville, TN with Knox City Farm in 2021.
Our Values
RESPECT
We value the differences that are in our community and celebrate them.
INTEGRITY
We engage in agricultural practices that are ecologically sustainable and strive to create sustainable programming that benefits all participants, no matter their background.
INITIATIVE
We strive to lead by example in our community, both through our agricultural practices and educational programming.
TEAMWORK
We are one team and one voice.