Our Impact
10,000 Pounds
and Counting..
Since 2020, we have delivered fresh produce directly to the doorsteps of our neighbors, reshaping how communities access healthy food and connect with each other.
Theory of change
Inputs
We invest in underutilized urban spaces, engage community members across generations, and implement sustainable gardening practices to cultivate fresh produce.
Outputs
Community members, especially youth and seniors, collaboratively cultivate and distribute fresh produce, gaining agricultural knowledge, life skills, and fostering community engagement.
Outcomes
The program enhances access to fresh vegetables free-of-charge, reducing diet-related illnesses and fostering stronger intergenerational relationships. It empowers communities to become self-reliant in creating sustainable food solutions, thereby improving overall community health and well-being.
Introduction
Discover the transformative journey of the Lead, Seed & Feed program. This section chronicles our annual milestones, illustrating how we've nurtured growth and fostered community connections through our innovative approach to urban agriculture. Each year builds on the last, expanding our impact and deepening our roots in the community. Join us in revisiting these key moments that mark our progress and commitment to sustainable local food systems.
Navigating Our Impact: A Yearly Overview
On our 'Our Impact' page, we provide a comprehensive look at the significant strides made by the Lead, Seed & Feed program. For the year 2020, we offer a detailed breakdown of our activities, showcasing everything from the volume of produce grown to the educational milestones reached. For the subsequent years, 2021 through 2023, we present an overview that highlights key milestones and achievements. This format allows viewers to grasp the depth of our inaugural year's efforts and understand the continued expansion and success of our program in subsequent years.
2021: Garden Growth and Community Impact
In 2021, we set out to expand our garden, aiming to significantly increase our produce output and deepen our community impact. This expansion was spearheaded by Priest and his team, who skillfully prepared twelve new garden beds. To fill these beds, we were fortunate to receive a generous grant from the Kansas City Community Garden, which provided us with 200 pounds of organic soil. This soil was not only delivered but also spread with the help of dedicated volunteers.
We also diversified our crop selection, adding peppers and nappa cabbage among other vegetables, to enhance the variety of our harvest. Crucially, students played an active role in both watering the plants and delivering fresh produce to the community. Their involvement not only supported our day-to-day operations but also expanded our educational outreach, instilling a sense of responsibility and community spirit among the youth.
🥬 5,200 Pounds of Fresh Garden Produce 🥬
Growing Abundance: Our 2022 Garden Milestones
In 2022, the Lead, Seed & Feed Fresh Produce Delivery Program saw remarkable growth and diversity in our gardening efforts. We managed 12 robust garden beds, enriching our array with a variety of lettuces including butter crunch, canasta, coastal star, and red butterhead. Our crop rotation also featured 'Green Magic' broccoli and an exciting experiment with suyo long cucumbers, which impressively grew over two feet tall.
Not only did we enhance our vegetable offerings, but we also introduced a colorful assortment of flowers—petunias, cannas, coneflowers, and the 'Summerific Perfect Storm' hibiscus, adding vibrancy to our garden spaces. Alongside these new additions, we cultivated a range of peppers, broadening the palette of flavors and nutrients available.
The real stars of our gardens were the students, who took an active role in planting sunflowers, and diligently participated in the watering and harvesting processes. Their involvement was key to not just cultivating plants, but also nurturing a community connected through agriculture and shared goals. This year's achievements have set a strong foundation for future growth and continued community enrichment.
🥦 2,800 Pounds of Fresh Garden Produce 🥦
2023: A Year of Innovation and Foundations
2023 marked a year of exploration and strengthening for Charity Services Midwest. As part of our continual growth, we ventured into a new space, establishing four ground beds at a secondary location. This experiment brought us valuable lessons and modest yields, introducing new vegetables like edamame and strawberries into our repertoire.
Though our harvests were smaller, this year was rich with internal development. We invested time in enhancing our organization's backbone—developing robust program strategies, revamping our website for a stronger online presence, and cultivating our marketing approach to reach more hearts and hands.
Additionally, we expanded our circle of wisdom by welcoming new advisory board members, each bringing fresh insights and energy to propel our mission forward.
While 2023's physical harvests were lighter, the year's efforts laid down fertile soil for future growth, ensuring that Charity Services Midwest is rooted more firmly than ever in our community and ready for a bountiful return to our permanent location in 2024.
🍅 800 Pounds of Fresh Garden Produce 🍅
