The future home of gaining Ground
partner with us to create a healthier food system for all chattanoogans
Gaining Ground is soon to have a new and permanent home—and we need your support!
Contact Holly at hmartin@thegainingground.org to learn how you can support the movement for a healthier Chattanooga.
Where we’re going & Why
Gaining Ground started in 2019 in the Highland Park neighborhood of Chattanooga. We have loved this wonderful place since the day we opened the doors. Over the years, we have gotten to know our neighbors well through celebrating marriages, new babies, community celebrations, and of course, good food!
While we outgrew our space long ago and searched for a bigger, more efficient location, we knew we wanted to stay close, and we found a place that allowed us to do just that. We will be working to renovate 901 Dodds Avenue in Highland Park’s sister neighborhood, Ridgedale.
A Permanent Home
We recently purchased 901 Dodds Avenue to renovate it to suit the needs of our growing organization—and it allows us to stay in our original neighborhood, where we have built a community for five years. The space will also allow us to double the size of the grocery store, have a small parking lot, and green space in the back for future programming.
A Special Place
The building itself has a storied history on Dodds Avenue—we actually heard it was once a small grocery store!
The building will be restored and is being planned to function as a larger grocery operation and office space for staff. It will allow us not only more space but better visibility for a bigger impact. We will host community gatherings, offer lots of fresh food, and be the best neighbors we can to the residents of Ridgedale.
A Chance to Make a Positive Impact
Ownership of the building will allow our organization to continue its steady growth and connect the community through food.
In the future, we will add an education building for classes and events, expand our Free Food Garden, and include ecological landscaping that is sustainable and pollinator-friendly. We can’t wait to share the journey with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are so glad you asked! You are welcome to make a financial contribution to the campaign, but it is also very helpful to help us spread the word about our project by sharing it. We hope to reach as many community members as possible to help us raise the funds needed for the renovation. If you can share with friends, family, and coworkers about our project, it will bring us closer to opening in the new space.
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We will have a lot of renovation needs. If you are aware of businesses that may be willing to contribute in-kind services or donate materials, please have them reach out to us.
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There will be opportunities for volunteering after the major work is done to the building. If you would like to volunteer, please complete this form and we will be in touch.