The Town of Nashville has taken a bold step in redefining its agricultural heritage with the sale of 55 acres to Ripe Revival, a produce company dedicated to revolutionizing the food and farming industries. This land will soon host Ripe Revival’s groundbreaking Innovation Campus, a $10 million investment that promises to be a national hub for farming, food, philanthropy, and community development.

The Nashville Town Council approved the sale for $150,000, setting the stage for a transformative project. The campus, located at the West Nashville Commerce Center, will feature a 50,000-square-foot vegetable processing facility designed to process up to 660 million pounds of produce annually, much of which is surplus produce unsuitable for retail yet still nutritious. This venture will create 25 full-time jobs with wages above Nash County’s median income, driving economic growth and advancing agricultural innovation.

Nashville Mayor Brenda Brown expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:

“This innovation campus represents an impactful $10 million investment, creating jobs and a space where agriculture and community intersect. We’re proud to support Ripe Revival’s vision and the positive impact it will bring to our town.”

Ripe Revival’s founder, Will Kornegay, highlighted the broader mission: “Every dollar we invest will go toward creating a campus that connects farms to consumers while tackling food waste and food insecurity.”

Ripe Revival has already secured a $1.9 million grant from the N.C. Department of Agriculture to fund the vegetable processing facility, the first of many projects planned for the Innovation Campus. The company’s holistic approach includes creating value-added products, supporting local farmers, and operating pay-what-you-can mobile markets through its nonprofit arm, Ripe for Revival.

Beyond the processing facility, the Innovation Campus will include a workforce development center, food hall, retail market, event spaces, trails, and even lodging, making it a destination for learning, leisure, and community engagement.

The project is supported by numerous partners, including the N.C. Department of Commerce, Nash Community College, and local economic development organizations. Groundbreaking for the processing facility is expected in February 2025, with operations shifting from Rocky Mount to Nashville once the facility is complete.

This investment marks a pivotal moment for the Town of Nashville, blending its agricultural roots with forward-thinking innovation, ensuring a prosperous future for the region. Stay tuned for updates as this visionary project takes shape!

Check out Ripe Revival’s non-profit arm, Ripe for Revival, to see all of the amazing work this organization does to combat food insecurity in our community.

Join the 2024 Annual Capital Campaign

Ripe Revival’s mission of reviving communities through food continues this holiday season with their 2024 Annual Capital Campaign, running now through December 31. In North Carolina, where 1 in 8 individuals face food insecurity, even small contributions make a big impact. For example, a $25 donation can provide 150 servings of fresh, nutritious meals to families in need.

Since January 2024, Ripe Revival has distributed over 1.3 million servings of food to more than 20,000 families—but the need remains great. Your support ensures that no child goes to bed hungry and no family is left without access to healthy food. Together, we can create a lasting difference in our communities.

Learn more or make your gift today to help Ripe Revival expand their reach and continue transforming lives through food.