Fighting Poverty with Seeds

Taylor Hillman Seeds, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

seeds
Getting obsolete and surplus seeds to areas of the world that need it most —that’s the objective for Seed Programs International.

Fighting Poverty with Seeds

Seed Programs International is a non-profit that makes the most out of unused seed products. Those seeds are donated to the organization who then distributes that seed to areas of poverty. Ed Merrell is a volunteer for the organization and says they also try to make sure the seed recipients are set up to succeed. Partnerships in the regions get the seed and the knowledge to grow it to the people who need the food the most. Merrell says the program has been around for some time and there continues to be a need for these donations.

More About the Seed Program

From Seed Programs International: Half the world still lives on less than $2 per day. On this budget, it can be impossible to sustain life. Malnutrition in the developing world causes dire consequences for nearly a billion people, 60% of them women and girls. Yet, there is hope for change as the majority of those who are hungry are farmers by trade, but lack the resources to grow their own food. In many developing countries, women in particular are well-positioned to lead families and communities out of malnutrition and poverty.

Seed Programs International provides quality seeds and critically-needed expertise to impoverished communities in developing countries. The strategy initiates a cycle of self-sufficiency that gives people resources they need to feed themselves. Extra vegetables are readily sold to bring household income. Gardeners are then able to cover school fees and supplies, garden equipment, and healthcare, furthering their ability to overcome poverty. Read more about the program.