Gardening to Combat Hunger: Lessons from Katie’s Krops
How One Girl’s Garden Grew into a National Movement to Fight Hunger
Food insecurity affects millions of people in the U.S. every year but what if the solution starts with a handful of seeds and a patch of soil?
That’s exactly what Katie’s Krops is proving, one garden at a time. What began as a single 9-year-old girl’s effort to grow vegetables for a local soup kitchen has grown into a national nonprofit that empowers kids and teens to grow food and give it away — no strings attached.
At a time when over 34 million Americans (including 9 million children) struggle with food insecurity, Katie’s Krops is planting hope. And anyone, including you, can help.
Planting the Seeds of Change
Katie Stagliano was just a child when she planted a cabbage seedling in her backyard. That cabbage grew to a whopping 40 pounds and fed over 275 people at a local soup kitchen.
She didn’t stop there.
Katie’s Krops was born from that single act of kindness, and it’s now a growing network of youth-run gardens across the country. These young growers cultivate thousands of pounds of fresh, nutritious produce, donating everything to local shelters, food banks, and families in need.
And they’re doing more than feeding people. They’re restoring dignity, building skills, and creating real change.
How Gardening Helps Fight Hunger
Gardening may seem simple, but its impact is powerful. Here’s how Katie’s Krops and its growers are transforming lives through fresh food:
It Provides Real Nutrition
Unlike shelf-stable donations, garden-grown foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that many food-insecure families rarely get.
It Reduces Food Waste
Because the food is grown and donated locally, there’s no transportation lag, spoilage, or waste. The harvest goes straight into the hands of people who need it most.
It Builds Community
Katie’s Krops gardens are places where neighbors come together to plant, weed, harvest, and share meals. Volunteers become friends. Recipients become part of the team.
It Teaches Self-Reliance
Young growers learn practical skills, how to plant, nurture, and harvest food, and they discover that they have the power to make a difference. That confidence spreads, sparking lifelong habits and leadership.
Stories That Inspire Action
From backyards to schoolyards, these gardens are doing big things:
- "Garden to Table” Meals: Some gardens partner directly with shelters, providing fresh produce that’s used to cook hot, healthy meals served with dignity.
- Creative Distribution: During the pandemic, Katie’s Krops launched safe, contactless delivery of fruits and vegetables to families across their communities — proving that adaptability and compassion go hand-in-hand.
- Generational Change: In many communities, young growers have inspired their families and neighbors to start gardens of their own — multiplying the impact far beyond the original plot.
How You Can Get Involved
You don’t need acres of land or years of gardening experience. If you have a little dirt, a little time, and a lot of heart, you can help too.
Start Your Own Giving Garden
Plant a few extra rows in your backyard or try a container garden on your patio. Donate your surplus to local food pantries or neighbors in need. Every tomato counts.
Spread the Word
Know a kid who loves to garden? A teacher looking for a meaningful school project? Share the story of Katie’s Krops and help it grow.
Apply to Be a Grower
Each year, Katie’s Krops opens applications for new growers between late fall and January 15. Kids aged 7 to 17 can apply for funding and support to start their own giving garden in their community. Learn more about Katie's Krops.
How to Support Katie’s Krops Through Park Seed
Want to help young growers fight hunger? When you buy select seed packets from Park Seed, part of your purchase goes directly to support Katie’s Krops, a nonprofit helping kids grow food and donate it locally.
Buy Seeds, Grow Hope
At Park Seed, we’re proud to support Katie’s Krops with high-quality, non-GMO seeds that help these young gardeners start strong. Every seed planted is a step toward a healthier, more hopeful community.
Want to help? Support the mission by choosing Park Seed for your next garden project.
Together, we can grow more than food. We can grow a future where no one goes hungry.