Apple Seeds releases strategic growth plan

Fayetteville nonprofit Apple Seeds Teaching Farm has plans to expand its reach across Northwest Arkansas and central Arkansas. The strategic growth plan is in response to rising demand for hands-on food education and challenges of food insecurity and diet-related disease among Arkansas children.

Founded in 2007, the nonprofit reaches more than 20,000 students annually through hands-on programs on the teaching farm and at schools. It has also shared more than 10,000 pounds of fresh produce annually with food-insecure families. Since its founding, the nonprofit has reached more than 150,000 students statewide.

“Apple Seeds has built a model that truly works, and more schools are asking for it than we can currently serve,” said Mary Thompson, executive director of Apple Seeds Teaching Farm. “This next phase of growth allows us to reach more students with hands-on food education, helping kids learn to grow, cook and enjoy fresh food while building healthier habits for life.”

The nonprofit plans to establish two additional teaching farms with a second site in Northwest Arkansas and a new location in central Arkansas. In Northwest Arkansas, schools are on waitlists for the nonprofit’s programs. In central Arkansas, where about 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, the need for nutrition education and access to healthy food is critical.

On average, 70% of students who participate in the nonprofit’s programs are willing to try new vegetables they prepare themselves, and more than half cook Apple Seeds recipes at home with their families.

“When children learn how to grow, cook, and enjoy fresh food, it changes their relationship with food for life,” Thompson said. “This work is about more than meals, it’s about building healthier habits, families and communities.”

The nonprofit is seeking supporters for its growth plan and a site for the second Northwest Arkansas teaching farm. Apple Seeds Teaching Farm has 13 full-time and seven part-time employees.