Give To The Max, Growing Our Future 2025

In Beltrami County, Minnesota, many families face economic challenges that affect their ability to access healthy, fresh food. Nearly 16% of residents live below the poverty line, and children are disproportionately impacted, with many at risk of food insecurity. Local food shelves and community supports provide essential aid, yet in times of uncertainty — when resources are stretched and programs face interruptions — families often struggle to meet their basic needs. SNAP benefits, while vital, are sometimes insufficient or delayed, leaving households anxious about how they will feed themselves and their children.

It is in this context that Growing Our Future steps in, empowering local youth to take control of their food sources and develop critical skills for sustainability. Our programs provide free gardening kits, classroom resources, and hands-on instruction, enabling children to learn how to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and other nutritious foods. Gardening is more than a practical solution; it is a tool for building confidence, independence, and resilience. By nurturing a seed from soil to harvest, children see the tangible results of their efforts and gain a sense of agency over their own well-being.

Each year, Growing Our Future reaches hundreds of young people across Beltrami County, including those attending schools in School District #31 and regional charter schools. By collaborating with local educators, we integrate gardening and sustainability into classrooms, providing experiential learning that complements academic studies. Our youth gain practical knowledge about nutrition, environmental stewardship, and the science of growing food — skills they carry into adulthood and share with their families and communities.

Our organization is 100% volunteer-run and donation-funded, meaning every contribution directly supports youth and community members in need. With your support, we can provide more kits, reach more classrooms, and expand programs that teach self-sufficiency. The impact goes beyond individual gardens — it strengthens entire communities by giving children and families the tools to manage uncertainty, improve nutrition, and cultivate a deeper connection to the environment around them.

In a time when the future can feel uncertain — whether due to economic pressures, stretched food programs, or interruptions in public services — Growing Our Future offers stability, education, and empowerment. We are planting more than seeds; we are planting hope, independence, and resilience. Every garden cultivated is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable community, where youth can contribute, families can thrive, and knowledge about self-reliance grows alongside the plants.

Your support ensures that we can continue this vital work in Beltrami County and beyond. By donating to Growing Our Future, you help children gain the skills and confidence to grow their own food, make informed choices, and foster a sense of belonging in their community. Together, we are building a future where every child has access to nutritious food, practical skills, and the knowledge that they can create positive change — even in uncertain times.