Reflecting on 2025:

Our Major Milestones and Achievements

As we reflect on 2025, Soulful Seeds is celebrating a year defined by growth, resilience, and community connection. Our hoop houses and garden spaces were alive with purpose as participants, volunteers, and partners came together to cultivate food, skills, and hope.

Across our programs, participants contributed over 1,480 hours of hands‑on learning. Participants came from Our Place and other community Partners. These hours represent far more than time spent—they reflect personal transformation and confidence building for program participants. 

Our volunteer community expanded in remarkable ways. We welcomed 552 new volunteers, who showed up to support our mission. Their dedication provided us with 3,186 volunteer hours that supported everything from planting and harvesting to composting. 

Sustainability remained a core focus. Last year, we created 209 cubic yards of compost, and diverted 167,838 pounds of waste from landfills. These efforts not only enriched our soil but also demonstrated our commitment to regenerative practices that benefit the entire community.

Food distribution continued to be the heart of our mission. We provided 6,594 pounds of fresh produce to 1,222 families and 4477 individuals, through distribution efforts. 

We also launched our Mobile Markets, bringing fresh, locally grown produce directly into neighborhoods where access to healthy food is limited. This new initiative allowed us to meet families where they are, reduce transportation barriers, and strengthen our commitment to equitable food access.

Our workforce development program also gained momentum. Through the Soulful Seeds Workforce Program, 120 participants completed 618 hours of training, gaining practical experience and pathways to employment. Our Arborist Apprenticeship expanded as well, offering specialized training in tree care and opening doors to long‑term careers in the green industry.

Last but certainly not least, we completed the major work on all three hoop houses. This milestone expands our ability to extend the growing season and enrich hands‑on learning opportunities. This project was made possible thanks to American AgCredit, whose support and generous donation of time helped bring the work to completion. Their partnership made a meaningful impact on our capacity to serve the community.

The impact of this work is best captured in the words of those who experienced it firsthand. Here are a few quotes that participant shared:

"I got to exercise my skills and capabilities and it made me feel human again. I got good exercise."

-Same Day Work and Pay Participant

"As a retired, active senior in Reno, I have plenty of opportunities to be of service to others. But, working with Kimberly, Sage, and Alana, with the Friday morning Soulful Seniors group is the highlight of my week….being a part of the Soulful Seniors group has affected my spiritual soul in so many positive ways."

-Soulful Seniors Program Participant

These voices remind us that Soulful Seeds is more than a garden.

It is a community where people grow alongside the plants they tend. As we step into 2026, we carry forward the momentum of a year filled with collaboration, compassion, and possibility. The seeds planted in 2025 are already taking root, and together, we will continue cultivating our mission. 

Make a Strong Commitment to Soulful Seeds in 2026



Join our mission to grow connection and resiliency through neighborhood gardens. Monthly donors are the partners who keep this work thriving.

Why Monthly Giving Matters

• Strengthens the local food system by supporting local fresh food growing and distribution
• Empowers neighbors as they build skills
• Helps us plan ahead so we can serve more families and people in need
• Builds a more resilient community rooted in shared purpose and opportunity

Set up a monthly gift today and become part of the partnership that’s transforming our neighborhoods from the ground up.

Planning Ahead for a Bountiful 2026

As Soulful Seeds enters 2026, we’re building on a year of powerful growth with a focused plan to strengthen our foundation and expand our impact. With your support, we’re preparing for the next chapter of community‑driven food justice and workforce development.

This year, we’re focusing on three main goals:

Strengthening Our Infrastructure: We’re improving our systems and equipment so our team and programs can run more smoothly as we grow.

Deepening Community Engagement: We’re expanding our outreach to better connect with volunteers, partners, and neighbors and other stakeholders through clearer communication and more ways to get involved.

Evaluating Our Programs: We’re taking a close look at our programs to understand what’s working well and where we can improve, ensuring we make the most of every resource.

These priorities set the stage for a year of steady growth and stronger community impact. Thank you for standing with us as we move forward.

Thank you Spotlight:

SAVEMart Cares Foundation

Thank you to the SaveMart Cares Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in the power of neighborhood‑based food justice. Their generous support strengthens our ability to expand fresh food access, enhance program coordination and food production, and deepen our sustainability and impact tracking efforts. This partnership helps us reach more seniors, families, and unhoused neighbors while improving the systems that keep our gardens thriving. We’re grateful to have SaveMart Cares standing with us as we grow a more connected and resilient community.