Gaining Ground’s long-running Read for Seeds program had another successful season. Students at local schools raised more than $18,000, funding about 90% of our annual seed budget. Our enthusiastic thanks to the students, teachers, and families for their initiative and generous support!

Students help raise awareness and funds by participating in a Read for Seeds read-a-thon that helps educate and activate their communities in support of Gaining Ground. Six schools participated this year: Concord public elementary schools Alcott (2nd grade), Thoreau (3rd grade), and Willard (3rd grade), and independent schools Fenn (4th grade), Tenacre Country Day (6th grade), and Belmont Day (2nd grade).

Read for Seeds begins with a kickoff visit to the school, introducing the children to farming, locally grown food, and the tiny seeds that make it all possible. Students then pledge to read, with family and friends sponsoring these efforts, and all funds raised support Gaining Ground’s seed budget. Each class visits the farm, tours the fields to see their impact in action, and engages in hands-on activities like spreading compost to enrich the soil. 

Students at Belmont Day School have been holding Read for Seeds read-a-thons to help fund Gaining Ground’s seed budget for 19 years! Katie O’Brien, 2nd grade teacher, tells us, “Our students are empowered to tackle tough problems in our society and learn that they can make a difference, even though they are young. We have visited Gaining Ground [every year] and have always had an amazing experience that is meaningful for the kids.”