Rebecca Williams

 is the founder and director of Grow Oak Ridge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Oak Ridge, TN, whose mission is to connect locally grown food with the public through farmers markets, community gardens and education. She is a former journalist, freelance writer and marketer, with a passion for local food and community growth.  She and her husband have three adult children and three grandchildren, a very cute dog and a small RV fiberglass camper. Their goal is to visit every national park in the country! 

About Grow Oak Ridge: 

Grow Oak Ridge operates the indoor Winter Farmers Market each year with 30+ vendors, live music, Double Up Food Bucks and Nourish Kids Club in Oak Ridge, TN. 

The organization's Grow Your Own project helps 24 families grow their own food, raising nearly 100 pounds each in the summer as a partner site for Grow Appalachia through Berea College. 

Grow Oak Ridge is the fiscal nonprofit sponsor of the Jackson Square Lavender Festival each June, a "specialty crop" festival that last year attracted 25,000 people to Oak Ridge for lavender, artisan vendors, great food, live music, free children's activities, a Tour of Gardens and more!