Why a seed fundraiser is a superstar

What’s our favorite way to celebrate winter here at Farmraiser? An awesome seed sale! I know it can be a little hard to think about growing things in your green garden and cultivating plant life when you’re on the verge of frostbite every morning on your morning commute, but we love seed sales because it reminds us of all the things we have to look forward to. Here’s the highlights on why a winter seed fundraiser should be on your radar.

A seed fundraiser is Educational

We think a seed fundraiser is one of the most educational fundraisers you can hold for your organization, for kids and adults alike!  When combined with science education, gardening can be a form of learning that is much more effective than traditional classroom learning. In a study of middle school students in Los Angeles, students who participated in a science class with a school garden project showed dramatically improved science-processing skills when compared to those in a traditional science class (Blair, 2009 p. 19). Don’t take our word for it, check out these incredible lesson plans from our friends at Kids Gardening.

Show off Health Benefits in your seed fundraiser

Ok, besides the obvious benefit that more access to healthy local produce has been proven to lower obesity levels in communities with high BMIs. In a study done in Flint Michigan, it was reported that only 17.8% of respondents ate at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. That number jumped to 32.4% in households that participated in gardening. Multiple studies have also shown that natural areas such as community gardens have a variety of mental health benefits. Being in natural places fosters recovery from mental fatigue, improves outlook on life and life satisfaction, helps us to cope with and recover from stress, improves our ability to recover from illness and injury, restores concentration, and improves productivity. A seed fundraiser is a great way to introduce these health benefits into your community while raising money for your cause; everyone wins!

Community gardens is a great talking point in a seed fundraiser

Community gardens are a cause that we love to see championed here at FarmRaiser. Community gardens have tons of benefits, so we love seeing them pop up all over, especially in schools! So what is a community garden? A community garden is a plot of land that is shared by a group of people who all garden their in assigned plots. Community gardens can range from a small plot where people from around the neighborhood come to grow their spring veggies to larger “greening” plots that are used for preservation of local areas. Community gardens can also help to provide necessary necessary nutrients to urban regions or food deserts. Community gardens provide access to fresh, traditional produce and nutritionally rich foods in low-income neighborhoods, where nutritious food is much less available than in other areas. “A study of all food stores in three low-income zip codes in Detroit found that only 19%, or fewer than one in five stores, carried a minimal ‘healthy food basket’ [of] products based on the food pyramid” (Pothukuchi 2003). A seed fundraiser is not only a great way to raise funds for your community garden, but it’s also a great way to get people excited about the things they can grow in your community garden! Community gardens are also a great way to reduce your negative impact on the environment. Studies show that food in the United States can Travel upwards or 1300 miles from the farm to your home. Community gardens eliminate that commute completely and reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to food travel. For more information on the benefits of community gardens, you can check out this awesome resource from Gardening Matters.

For more information about seed fundraising, email us at info@farmraiser.com or check out some of our favorite seed suppliers:

• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
• Terroir Seeds

What’s our favorite way to celebrate winter here at Farmraiser? An awesome seed sale! I know it can be a little hard to think about growing things in your green garden and cultivating plant life when you’re on the verge of frostbite every morning on your morning commute, but we love seed sales because it…