Update by the numbers

The gardens at Soulful Seeds continue to thrive, thanks to the dedication of our team, volunteers, and community partners. From infrastructure improvements to food distribution, here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished last month.

Soulful Seeds diverted 21,773 pounds of waste from the landfill in August alone. This effort not only reduces environmental impact—it also supports our composting systems and soil health.

Our team distributed 1,316 pounds of fresh produce to garden neighbors, reinforcing our commitment to food access and community nourishment.

A total of 94 unduplicated volunteers contributed 306.65 hours in the gardens—equivalent to approximately 1.92 full-time staff for the month of August. Their efforts contribute to our mission every day.

Over the last quarter, staff and volunteers made significant progress on hoop house #3. With ribs anchored, cross wires installed, and the first crops growing strong, the final phase—applying plastic sheeting—is scheduled for September 6. Come join us! 

We welcomed the Master Gardeners into the garden as part of their tour, offering a hands-on look at our growing spaces and community initiatives. We also hosted a garlic-themed fundraiser in the garden, bringing neighbors together to celebrate the harvest and support our mission.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Every seed planted, hour volunteered, and pound of food shared brings us closer to a more equitable and resilient future.

Garlic Planting Class

September 20 Registration Now Open

Soulful Seeds is proud to host Cultivating Flavor: A Garlic Growing Journey, a hands-on garlic planting class offered through TMCC’s EPIC program. Join us on Saturday, September 20 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Soulful Seeds Garden at Our Place in Sparks for an immersive experience led by our Co-founder and Reno’s Garlic Guru, Earstin Whitten. 

Participants will learn which garlic varieties thrive in Northern Nevada, including softneck, hardneck, and elephant garlic. The class covers everything from optimal planting techniques and spacing to watering, fertilization, and soil preparation for overwintering. You’ll also explore cover crop options and the art of curing garlic for long-term storage.

This outdoor session includes hands-on planting and each participant will take home seed garlic ready for their own garden. A $59 tuition and $20 materials fee apply. Space is limited, and registration is required through TMCC.

To register, visit TMCC’s official class page.

Please dress for the weather, wear sun protection, and bring a refillable water bottle.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just garlic-curious, this class offers a flavorful way to deepen your skills and connect with the growing community.

Lead with Purpose

Join our Board of Directors!

Soulful Seeds is seeking passionate, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Directors. If you have experience in legal services, workforce development, IT, or faith-based leadership, we invite you to help guide our mission of reducing food insecurity and cultivating a healthier, more empowered community.

Board members play a critical role in shaping strategy, expanding partnerships, and ensuring our work remains rooted in compassion, equity, and impact. This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise to a growing organization that blends grassroots momentum with scalable systems change.

To learn more or express interest, please email hello@soulfulseedsnevada.org.

Together, we can plant the seeds of lasting transformation.

Make an Impact with Year-End Giving

As we approach the end of the year, Soulful Seeds invites you to consider a meaningful way to support our work through charitable giving. One option some supporters choose is directing a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their IRA to a nonprofit like Soulful Seeds. These gifts may offer tax advantages while directly funding programs that nourish neighbors, expand workforce pathways, and regenerate our soil and spirit.

Every contribution helps us grow more food and sustain the programming and staff hours that make it possible. Whether you're giving in honor of someone, supporting a specific initiative, or investing in a healthier future, your generosity strengthens our ability to serve the community with compassion, equity, and purpose.

To explore giving options or connect with a member of our team, please contact cara@soulfulseedsnevada.org. 

Benefit Concert for Soulful Seeds

Hosted by Dallas Smith and Susan Mazer

Soulful Seeds invites you to an intimate evening of music, community, and impact at a special Charity House Concert hosted by Dallas Smith and Susan Mazer. This exclusive event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in a small in-home concert setting designed to celebrate connection and purpose.

Admission is free, and donations are encouraged to support Soulful Seeds’ mission of reducing food insecurity through community gardens, education, and workforce development. Space is limited, and RSVP is required.

Guests will enjoy live music in a welcoming space, surrounded by the spirit of generosity and the beauty of local impact. The concert benefits our work to cultivate gardens in high-need neighborhoods—providing fresh produce and creating spaces for healing, learning, and belonging.

To reserve your spot, please contact 775-348-0792 or email mazer.smith.concerts@gmail.com.

Join us for a night that nourishes both heart and community.

A Heartfelt Thank You

 John Ben Snow Foundation

We extend our deepest gratitude to the John Ben Snow Foundation for their generous support of Soulful Seeds. Known for championing education, youth development, and community initiatives, the Foundation’s investment directly strengthens our food distribution efforts in high-need neighborhoods.

Their funding allows us to deliver fresh, locally grown produce to more families, expand our harvest capacity, and deepen partnerships that advance food equity across Washoe County. This support is a vital part of our mission to nourish both people and possibility.

Thank you to the John Ben Snow Foundation for believing in our mission and helping us grow a healthier, more connected community.