Philanthropy and Compassion Are Anchors of Katie's Krops Growers
Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, but Katie’s Krops is proving that the solution can start in our own backyards. By empowering youth to grow and donate fresh produce, this nonprofit is addressing hunger at its roots. Gardening offers not only sustenance but also dignity, health, and community connection, making it a powerful tool in the fight against food insecurity.
In the United States, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, face hunger (2024). Many rely on food banks and shelters, but access to fresh, nutritious produce remains a challenge. Katie’s Krops works to fill this gap by ensuring that its gardens produce nourishing high-quality vegetables and fruits. Park Seed supports the mission with high quality seeds that are always non-GMO.
How Gardening Fights Hunger
Providing Nutritious Food
Katie’s Krops gardens focus on growing nutrient-dense produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens. These foods are essential for health and are often inaccessible to food-insecure families.
Reducing Food Waste
Fresh produce harvested directly from gardens goes straight to local recipients, eliminating waste and transportation costs.
Strengthening Community Ties
The act of gardening fosters connections between growers, volunteers, and recipients. It transforms food donation from a transaction into a shared experience of care and compassion.
Teaching Self-Reliance
By involving young people in the gardening process, Katie’s Krops teaches valuable skills that can be passed down, encouraging more people to grow their own food.
Katie’s Krops Success Stories
The “Garden to Table” Model: Some Katie’s Krops gardens partner directly with shelters to provide freshly harvested produce for community meals.
Innovative Food Distribution: During the pandemic, Katie’s Krops expanded its efforts by delivering fresh produce directly to families in need.
How You Can Support Gardening as a Solution
Start Your Own Garden: Even a small plot or container garden can make a difference. Donate your excess harvest to a local food pantry.
Spread the Word: Share the mission of Katie’s Krops with your community to inspire others to take action.
Apply to Become a Grower: Beginning in the last quarter of the year and through January 15th, Katie's Krops grower search is open! Youth aged 7 to 17 are invited to apply to start a Katie’s Krops garden.
Apply for school-based and youth garden opportunities. Applicants are committing to a minimum of a two-year commitment to grow their garden. During the growing season, you can enter contests and win great prizes.
Park Seed's partnership with Katie’s Krops demonstrates that when we work together, we can cultivate solutions to hunger that are sustainable, impactful, and enriching.
