Gardens Foster Growth: Teaching by Example, Learning by Doing
At Katie’s Krops, young growers are empowered to become leaders in their communities, impacting critical issues like food insecurity while learning skills that shape their futures. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, Katie’s Krops inspires the next generation to grow food, nurture their communities, and believe in their ability to change the world.
The Seed of an Idea: Katie’s Journey Begins
In 2008, third-grader Katie Stagliano brought home a tiny cabbage seedling from a school project. Tending to it with care, she grew a 40-pound cabbage—an achievement in itself. But it was what she did next that truly planted the seeds for her future mission. Katie donated her giant cabbage to a local soup kitchen, where it fed 275 people. Witnessing the impact of her garden on hunger sparked a passion that would define her life.
Katie, now in her twenties, has turned that one cabbage into a movement that empowers young people to start and maintain gardens. Through these gardens, fresh, nutritious produce is donated to those in need, combating food insecurity while fostering a sense of community.
Katie’s Krops Today: A Nationwide Mission
Katie’s Krops has grown into a national nonprofit with an ambitious goal: to create 500 youth-led gardens across all 50 states. Each garden, in addition to being a source of food, is a hub for education, empowerment, and community connection. Young growers receive grants, seeds, and mentorship to launch and sustain their gardens, which donate fresh produce to local food banks, shelters, and neighbors in need.
To date (Dec. 2024), Katie’s Krops has distributed 75,000 thousands of pounds of produce, with young growers leading the successful effort. By providing tools, training, and inspiration, Katie’s Krops empowers youth to address hunger in their communities while developing life skills that will last a lifetime.
Park Seed and Katie’s Krops: Partners in Growth
Park Seed, one of America’s oldest and most trusted seed companies, is proud to support Katie’s mission. Since 2015, Park Seed has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Katie’s Krops by donating a portion of proceeds from select vegetable seed sales. This partnership not only helps fund gardens but also raises awareness about the power of gardening to create positive change.
By purchasing seeds marked with the Katie’s Krops symbol, Park Seed customers directly contribute to this movement, turning their own gardens into a force for good. Together, we’re growing more than plants—we’re growing solutions to hunger.
The Impact of Katie’s Krops: More Than Food
Katie’s Krops is about more than growing vegetables. It’s about transforming lives and communities. Here’s how the organization makes a difference:
Tackling Food Insecurity
Each Katie’s Krops garden donates fresh, nutrient-rich produce to those in need, providing healthy meals to families who might otherwise go without.
Empowering Youth
Young growers are at the heart of Katie’s Krops. These children and teens learn leadership, responsibility, and the value of service, becoming catalysts for change in their communities.
Fostering Community Connection
Gardens become gathering places where schoolmates and neighbors bond over a shared mission. They’re spaces of collaboration, learning, and mutual support.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
Katie’s Krops emphasizes environmentally friendly gardening methods, teaching youth and communities about sustainable agriculture.
The Role of Youth in the Katie’s Krops Movement
Katie’s Krops places young people at the heart of its mission. Youth growers, known as "Katie’s Krops Growers," lead every garden, taking responsibility for planning, planting, and harvesting. They also coordinate the donation of fresh produce to local soup kitchens, food banks, and families in need. This leadership-first model gives kids and teens a chance to make a tangible impact while developing critical life skills.
Key Skills Taught by Katie’s Krops
Gardening Knowledge: From soil preparation to pest management, Katie’s Krops teaches youth the essential techniques for successful gardening. Kids learn how to grow nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits sustainably, giving them a lifelong connection to nature and healthy food practices.
Leadership and Responsibility: Each Katie’s Krops Grower is responsible for their garden’s success. They manage schedules, rally volunteers, and ensure that produce reaches those in need. This hands-on leadership experience fosters confidence and independence.
Community Engagement: By donating their harvests and organizing meal distributions, growers learn the importance of giving back. These experiences teach empathy and encourage kids to become active participants in their communities because they see the impacts firsthand.
Problem-Solving Skills: Gardening isn’t without its challenges. Whether facing droughts, pests, or limited resources, Katie’s Krops Growers learn to adapt and find creative solutions, honing their resilience and critical thinking abilities.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Many gardens require a team effort. Youth growers work alongside family members, neighbors, classmates, and volunteers, learning how to communicate, delegate, and achieve shared goals.
The Broader Impact on Youth
Beyond practical skills, Katie’s Krops inspires a mindset of hope and possibility. Young growers see firsthand how their efforts can create positive change, empowering them to tackle bigger challenges in the future. The program also provides an invaluable sense of accomplishment as kids watch their gardens flourish and witness the gratitude of those they serve.
Spotlight: Stories of Katie’s Krops Growers
Katie’s Krops features inspiring stories of young growers who have turned small plots of land into thriving gardens. For example:
- Ava, Age 13: Ava transformed a vacant lot in her neighborhood into a productive garden that provides fresh produce to a local shelter. Her efforts rallied her entire community, who now volunteer regularly.
- Logan, Age 15: Logan’s garden produces enough tomatoes and peppers each year to supply a local food pantry with fresh salsa kits. He’s even hosted workshops to teach others how to grow their own.
How You Can Support Youth Empowerment Through Gardening
Katie’s Krops thrives on community support. Here are ways you can help nurture the next generation of growers:
- Become a Grower! Youth ages 7-17 are eligilbe. Learn more.
- Donate: Financial contributions help provide grants, seeds, and resources for young growers.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and expertise to support a local Katie’s Krops garden.
- Encourage Local Youth: Share information about Katie’s Krops with young people who may want to start their own gardens
Katie’s Krops is about feeding people but also inspiring youth to evolve into compassionate, capable leaders. By supporting this mission, you’re investing in their future.
