Get Inspired by the Mission and Learn How You Can Support the Movement
In a world where food insecurity affects millions, one determined girl’s idea blossomed into a nationwide movement that is changing lives. Katie’s Krops, a youth-driven nonprofit founded by Katie Stagliano, is an inspiring testament to the power of gardening and community. From its humble beginnings in a South Carolina backyard to creating hundreds of gardens across the United States, Katie’s Krops is not just about growing vegetables—it’s about growing hope, compassion, and resilience. With Park Seed proudly standing by her side, this partnership embodies the transformative potential of seeds and the human spirit.
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, Katie’s Krops has distributed 75,000 pounds (as of December 2024) of fresh 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.
How You Can Join the Movement
Katie’s Krops thrives on community support. Here are ways you can get involved:
- Become a Grower! Submit an application (applications open in the fourth quarter of the year through mid-January) for youth aged 7-17.
- Grow Your Own Garden: Start your own backyard garden and donate surplus produce to local food banks.
- Support Through Purchases: Look for the Katie’s Krops symbol on select Park Seed vegetable varieties. Your purchase helps fund this mission.
- Volunteer: Many Katie’s Krops gardens welcome local volunteers to help with planting, weeding, and harvesting.
- Donate: Financial contributions help Katie’s Krops provide grants, seeds, and supplies to young growers.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Growers
At the heart of Katie’s Krops is a simple but powerful idea: that young people can change the world. By equipping youth with the tools and knowledge to grow their own gardens, Katie’s Krops is planting seeds of leadership, compassion, and resilience. This mission aligns perfectly with Park Seed’s vision of using gardening as a tool to connect people with nature, with each other, and to realize their own potential.
A Future Full of Growth
Katie’s story reminds us that even the smallest seeds can grow into something extraordinary. From a single cabbage to a nationwide network of gardens, Katie’s Krops is proof that one person, no matter their age, can make a profound difference.
As Park Seed continues to support Katie’s Krops, we invite you to join us becasue together we can grow a brighter future—one garden at a time.
