The Seed Project Foundation funds educational, agricultural, and community initiatives that support sustainability. We define sustainability as a social challenge that improves the current quality of life without compromising future generations. The Foundation was established on the premise that funding sustainable ideas today will support ecological and social balance in the future. Providing seed money for local causes that enhance the principles of sustainability is our mission. With our platform at Harvest and Rick’s Chophouse, we expose thousands of people to our mission every single week.
Events
As restaurant people, our strength is in throwing great events, and that is how we do most of our fundraising. In addition to an annual gala, Harvest hosts four seasonal Suppers with a Cause each year, day-long farm tours and Farm-to-Table Symposiums, each of which brings together local farmers, ranchers, artisans, chefs, restaurateurs, and local food advocates.
Conservation
Through the Seed Project we have funded grants to local conservation groups including the Collin County Master Gardeners and Texas Master Naturalists, including a 2019 grant to support their restoration efforts of the Blackland Prairie at the nearby Connemara Conservancy. In fact, our Executive Chef Andrea Shackelford is an honorary Master Gardener.
Education
Educating our youth about where food comes from is one of our most important duties. To that end, we have funded the construction or expansion of several school gardens in our county, from elementary schools to high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs. The Seed Project has also funded gardening programs for adults with special needs and community gardens that work to improve food access for those in need.
Our Reach
Taking care of our less fortunate and marginalized population makes for a more sustainable future. The Seed Project has granted funds to over a dozen local nonprofits working to improve the lives of our underserved communities. In 2020, the Seed Project became a founding member of the One Heart McKinney coalition, a group of City officials, nonprofits, and business owners that came together at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis to ensure our community stays healthy, fed, and sheltered.
Sustainable Future
We believe we can change the way people eat, think, and live by using our platform to bring guests into our mission, strengthening the bonds between agriculture, education, and community to create a more sustainable future.