Each spring, our greenhouse fills with young seedlings growing strong under protective cover. But what happens when we produce more healthy plants than our fields can hold? We share the abundance, of course! This season, we donated a vibrant variety of seedlings—including lettuce, scallions, beets, and basil—to our local hunger relief partners.

Our community partners put these plants to immediate, meaningful use across the region. In East Boston, Eastie Farm distributed seedlings to volunteers and others in the community, noting that many neighbors lack the home setup to start seeds and find buying mature plants cost-prohibitive. In Devens, Loaves & Fishes Pantry handed out tomato seedlings directly to families during their drive-thru pantry service. With excess flower seedlings, the Bedford Food Bank established a small flower garden that brightens up their corner, welcoming visitors and inviting pollinators. 

Meanwhile, Daniel’s Table in Framingham integrated the plants into children’s educational programming to inspire healthy eating. In their dedicated kids education room, co-founder Alicia Blais introduced kids to pots of chives and basil, and invited them to observe growth from week to week, as well as participate in hands-on “taste and smell” herb lessons. Several families even took seedlings home to start their own backyard or windowsill gardens. Research and experience show that children are far more likely to eat vegetables they personally helped plant, water, and harvest. “Many of our families live in low-income housing or apartments without yards or decks,” explains Alicia, “so having small, individual seedlings for them to grow on a windowsill was very helpful.”