Food Not Bombs - Memphis: FOOD, not troops! (Part 2 of 3)
Local & National News | November 5, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. CST

Written by: Gilbert Barnes Carter III

I had the absolute pleasure of hosting thirteen Food Not Bombs - Memphis volunteers at my property in the Riverview community on Saturday, October 25, for our Fall Planting Event after just over three months of shared event planning. The event marked the beginning of their communal land project planning work in the Riverview community. The technical input that I have received from Food Not Bombs - Memphis supporters and volunteers is outstanding.

Mr. Jeff Lehr, who also serves as a volunteer with Citizens Climate Lobby, Courageous Conversations, and the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), provided the following input on August 3.

"I will be glad to consult if needed. I have a special interest in the execution of any permaculture applications and principles on the site. I also understand the importance of a tidy appearance, and how wood board bed enclosures could enhance the aesthetics at a community demonstration site such as yours."

Riverview is one of several communities throughout South and Southwest Memphis that is rife with intentional disinvestment on a number of fronts. The Fall Planting Event is another peaceful and unapologetic display of people power in direct opposition of the federal deployment of Tennessse Army National Guard troops through the "Memphis Safe Task Force" initiative that began on October 10. The activation of the initiative is counterintuitive at best, based on variables such as the content of a statement listed by Memphis Mayor Paul Young on the City of Memphis Safe and Clean webpage.

"In Memphis, we rise to every challenge. Since January 2024, crime has fallen by double digit percentages — the result of focused policing, strong community based partnerships, and the resolve of our people. My responsibility as mayor is to ensure that every new resource strengthens our neighborhoods, supports our families, and builds on that progress. Our goal is to ensure that the state and federal efforts coming to Memphis are guided by one purpose: to uplift our community and accelerate a safer, stronger future. This is our moment to show the world the truth about Memphis. We are a city that rises, a city that leads, and a city that defines itself not by challenges, but by our culture, innovation, and hope." - Memphis Mayor Paul Young

It is quite clear that the remarkable trend of the reduction of the numbers in several crime categories began well before the federal deployment. Crime numbers overall are down by *13% from last year and by *16% from September of this year. Citizens across the most underserved communities in Memphis are very frank in expressing which resources they want to have unmitigated access to, however. And although we must continue to be steadfast in elevating the level of our public safety, it is not the only major determinant of health. And furthermore, the presence of National Guard troops here has never been commensurate with good will.

FOOD, not militarization. . .

Mr. Jeff Lehr has provided support for the parishioners at Freedom's Chapel Christian Church at 961 Getwell for over the last five years. The description of his plans to continue his assistance there is just one example of how citizens are maintaining their civic will to uphold food access, food justice, and food security efforts. They intend to reinstall pollinator and vegetable gardens. 

"We hope to restart during this fall or next spring. I have dabbled at that location over the last five years since the former gardener had a stroke. Some of the soil has been improved already, though it has never been tested. So, it currently looks like a shaved lawn. Pastor Nichols envisions them having a pollinator garden along the full length of the property."

The Trump administration elected to provide only partial funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) only after receiving directives from two federal judges after November 1. Today is day 36 of the current federal government shutdown. There is currently no end to the shutdown in sight. It is estimated that more than 150,000 citizens in Shelby County receive SNAP benefits. The sustainability of the sourcing of vital food from charitable organizations and food pantries in the interim is marginal at best.

It is evident now more than ever before that citizens across this country must adopt the principles of autonomy and self-sufficient living. Abundant access to enriched and wholesome food is an inalienable human right. Food Not Bombs volunteers continue to model how we can and should maintain that right especially for those who are considered to be the least and most vulnerable among us.

Photo Credits:
 

Header Photo by: Mr. Gilbert Barnes Carter III

*Source - City of Memphis - "Safe and Clean" Webpage, Data Snapshot: MPD

Gilbert Barnes Carter III is a Memphis-based author, child welfare advocate, community organizer, emerging farmer, gardener, journalist, and social justice advocate. He began his social justice advocacy and work by serving as a Shelby County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Board volunteer in 2005. He has worked since then to effectuate change for low-wage, immigrant, and migrant workers as a Temporary Workers Campaign Manager with Workers Interfaith Network; an advocate for Teamsters Local 667 sanitation workers; and a community / field organizer to uphold blight reduction, efficient public mass transit, environmental justice, food access, food justice, food security, narrative change, and public safety.