How can urban gardens help fight food insecurity while creating opportunity and strengthening a community? On 2 Plus You Nevada, host Sarah Johns sits down with Allison Pedley, Executive Director of Soulful Seeds, to explore how this Northern Nevada nonprofit grows and distributes fresh produce, develops workforce opportunities, and brings people together through gardening, education, and volunteer programs.

Founded in 2017, Soulful Seeds operates multiple garden sites throughout the Reno-Sparks area, strategically growing food near communities where access to healthy, fresh produce can be limited. From providing locally grown produce at no cost to innovative workforce development programs, arborist apprenticeships, Same Day Work & Pay, Soulful Seniors, and community volunteer opportunities, discover how Soulful Seeds is addressing both food insecurity and some of its underlying causes.

🚨 Segment Highlights:

🌱 What Is Soulful Seeds?

• Learn how the Northern Nevada nonprofit was established in 2017

• Discover its mission to address food insecurity and access to healthy food

• See how urban gardening can help strengthen local food resiliency

🥕 Growing Fresh Food in Reno & Sparks

• Explore Soulful Seeds' urban garden sites throughout the Reno-Sparks area

• Learn why gardens are strategically located near communities with limited food access

• Discover how fresh produce is distributed at no cost through mobile markets, food stands, and community partners

🍎 Addressing Food Insecurity

• Learn what food insecurity means for individuals and families

• Understand some of the challenges of accessing healthy food in Northern Nevada

• Discover how locally grown produce can help increase access to nutritious food

🌳 Arborist Apprenticeship & Workforce Development

• Learn about Soulful Seeds' USDA-supported arborist apprenticeship program

• See how participants receive education and hands-on training toward becoming certified arborists

• Discover how planting fruit trees can support both career development and future community food production

💼 Same Day Work & Pay

• Learn how community members can gain paid hands-on work experience in Soulful Seeds gardens

• Discover opportunities to develop hard and soft skills that can strengthen a résumé

• See how the program combines immediate income with pathways toward future employment

🤝 Volunteer with Soulful Seeds

• Help plant, harvest, weed, and maintain community gardens

• Learn about monthly public volunteer opportunities

• Discover Soulful Seniors, an intergenerational program combining gardening, service, and social connection

🌐 Learn More About Soulful Seeds:

https://www.soulfulseedsnevada.org/

💚 Want to Support Soulful Seeds?

Donate, volunteer, and learn more about programs helping increase access to fresh food and strengthen the Northern Nevada community.

🌱 Grow with us. Give today.

🌐 https://www.soulfulseedsnevada.org/

🌐 Stay Connected with 2 Plus You Nevada:
 
📺 Watch more episodes online
 
📸 Follow along on social media
 
📘 Connect with us for updates and highlights
 
 
👉 Search "2 Plus You Nevada" on YouTube for more interviews featuring Northern Nevada professionals, organizations, and local resources.
📢 Brought to You By:
 
911 Restoration

#FoodInsecurity #SoulfulSeeds #2PlusYouNevada