Our Seed the Future program has just reached a significant milestone, having donated over 4 million seeds to schools and community groups across every state of Australia, since it launched in July 2022.
Through the program, tens of thousands of children have been able to enjoy the process of sowing seeds, caring for plants and harvesting crops. Millions of flowers have bloomed and millions of vegetables have been harvested.
For every new Diggers Club membership, The Diggers Foundation donates one packet of seeds towards our Seed the Future program. And so, it’s a big thank you to Diggers Club members who are ensuring every Australian school or community group has the opportunity to kick start their own journey of gardening, growing and sustainability.
We’re passionate about supporting every child, from primary schools through to tertiary institutions, to be able to grow their own healthy food, and with the support of our members and the Seed the Future program, we're helping to make that possible.
Our Head of Seed programs, Anna-Lize Pretorius, has no doubt about the impact of Seed the Future.
“It’s not just an exposure to growing food that children and community members are tapping into. They are also enjoying the many other benefits of growing; connecting with nature, supporting biodiversity, being active, enjoying nutritious produce, beautifying their space and connecting with each other.”
The Foundation donates 20 seed packets a year to each participating community groups and schools, from primary schools through to tertiary institutions, and provides them with gardening products, educational resources and access to our knowledgeable team to support them to enjoy success.
A highlight of what we do at The Diggers Foundation is hearing from the schools and community groups that we’ve connected with and supported through the program. And there’s no shortage of good news stories to keep us inspired and passionate about Seed the Future.
Irymple Secondary College in Victoria has transformed its Agricultural Science elective into a thriving, hands-on food-to-table program. Resident agricultural teacher, Sarah Doolan, is rightly proud of what they’ve achieved.
“We have 35 garden beds that are currently planted up with a variety of flower and vegetable seeds provided by the Seed the Future program. As well as growing from seed, the Year 8-10 students are also getting to enjoy cooking and eating their harvest.
Our students have learnt so much through our partnership with the Seed the Future program, everything from being exposed to new and exciting heirloom varieties to seasonal planting.”
And it’s not just schools that are able to benefit from the program.
The Ruffy Vegie Growers and Garden Club was devastated by bushfires in January this year. Cheryl Kearney, Club Coordinator and Diggers member reached out seeking support.
“The Vegie Growers and Garden Club was such a wonderful source of connection for our small community. The fires completely destroyed years of established growing and all the associated wellbeing benefits of coming together in the garden.
“Through the Seed the Future program, The Diggers Foundation sent us a mixture of vegetable and flowering seeds. We held our first gathering after the fires in April and the Diggers seed packets gave everyone something positive to focus on. It was such a difficult time, and the response of the Diggers Club was so generous and kind.”
You can find out more about Seed the Future here or you can register your interest by emailing The Diggers Foundation here.
The Diggers Foundation is a social enterprise dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds, protecting historic buildings and gardens, and passing on the knowledge of sustainable gardening to future generations. It’s our Diggers Club members who are directly supporting these impacts, with all Club profits going directly to The Diggers Foundation.
