University of Tennessee at Knoxville
IN-24: Innovation A

The Grow Lab is an outdoor classroom and laboratory, a hub for community engagement, and a space for experiential and service–learning. The innovative hallmark of this program is that all produce is donated to Smokey’s Pantry, a campus food pantry dedicated to serving students, faculty, and staff. The student garden manager tends to half of these plots. The rest of plots are reserved by specific courses and organizations for semester-long projects and research. These academic users are also encouraged to donate the fruits of their labor to Smokey's Pantry. Grow Lab Vision: We envision a garden where UT students, faculty, staff, and Knoxville citizens participate in hands-on learning, engage in meaningful service, conduct research, and cultivate community. The Grow Lab will demonstrate ecological food production methods, address local food insecurity, contribute to a sense of place, and encourage interdisciplinary partnerships. At the Grow Lab, half of the plots are designated for specific academic courses, research, and university groups. Staff and volunteers maintain the remaining plots and donate produce to hunger-alleviating causes, including the on-campus food pantry.