Today, we are proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone.
What began as a simple idea—to help families, schools, libraries, and communities grow their own food—has blossomed into a nationwide movement. Through the dedication of our volunteers, board members, partners, and supporters like Baker Creek Seed Co., Vlada’s Seeds of Life has now distributed seeds to destinations in 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and more than 100 communities across America.
From public libraries in California and New York to community organizations in Alaska, churches in Chicago, schools in Southern California, and state libraries across the nation, our project Little Sprouts and our seeds are helping people reconnect with one of humanity’s oldest and most valuable life skills: gardening. What started as a local outreach effort has become a growing national network dedicated to food security, sustainability, education, and community wellness.
America faces significant health, environmental, and social challenges.
One in five American youth now lives with obesity, while anxiety, depression, and other chronic health concerns continue to rise among young people. Studies have also found increasing rates of mental health struggles, loneliness, and chronic conditions among children and adolescents.
At the same time, many Americans have become disconnected from where their food comes from.
Little Sprouts seeks to change that.
Every packet of seeds represents an opportunity:
- An opportunity for a child to learn where food comes from.
- An opportunity for a family to grow healthier meals.
- An opportunity for communities to become more resilient.
- An opportunity to reconnect with nature.
- An opportunity to restore biodiversity and strengthen local ecosystems.
Healthy Gardens Create Healthy Communities
Healthy gardens support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They provide habitat for birds and beneficial insects. They nurture countless microorganisms that live within healthy soil ecosystems. These organisms are essential for nutrient cycling, plant health, and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Across the United States, soil degradation has become an increasing concern. Decades of intensive land use, erosion, and loss of organic matter have reduced the health of many soils. Home gardens and community gardens can play a small but meaningful role in rebuilding healthy soil by increasing biodiversity, composting organic materials, and encouraging regenerative growing practices.
Every seed planted contributes to a healthier environment.
When people grow even a portion of their own food, the benefits ripple outward.
Local food production reduces transportation requirements, packaging waste, and resource consumption. Families gain access to fresher produce. Communities become more resilient during economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.
Gardening also teaches patience, responsibility, stewardship, and self-reliance—values that are increasingly important in our fast-paced world.
In many ways, a garden is one of the most practical sustainability projects anyone can undertake.
Looking Toward the Future
While we are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished, we believe we are only getting started.
Our long-term vision is ambitious:
To establish a national seed distribution center capable of collecting, organizing, and distributing seeds from multiple seed companies to public libraries across all 50 states.
We envision a future where every public library in America has access to free seed resources for its community.
Imagine millions of Americans having easy access to vegetable, herb, flower, and pollinator seeds through their local library.
Imagine children checking out seeds alongside books.
Imagine communities becoming healthier, greener, and more self-sufficient.
That is the future we are working toward.
How You Can Help
To continue growth across all 50 states—and eventually every public library in America—will require the support of people who share our vision.
We are actively seeking:
- Volunteers willing to donate their time and skills
- Community advocates who can help establish new seed libraries
- Corporate partners and sponsors
- Financial supporters who believe in food security, sustainability, and education
- Seed companies interested in collaborating with our mission
Whether you can donate seeds, volunteer a few hours, provide professional expertise, or make a financial contribution, your support can help expand the reach of Little Sprouts and Vlada’s Seeds of Life.
It takes a team work
None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our Board of Directors, volunteers, and supporters.
This year’s remarkable growth was made possible by a team of individuals who generously gave their time, energy, expertise, and passion to help our mission flourish.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors:
- Silvia Backlund – President
- Joy Albright – Secretary
- Victor Neuman – Financial Director
- Nina Cullen – Board Member
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vlada Vladic, whose vision, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire our mission and guide our growth.
We also wish to thank our many volunteers whose countless hours of service helped prepare seed packets, coordinate shipments, build partnerships, and expand our reach across the country.
And we offer special appreciation to our valued partner, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, whose support has helped make this national growth possible.
Together, we are proving that a single seed can create meaningful change.
With gratitude,
The Vlada’s Seeds of Life Team