Growing Community: Garden-Focused Nonprofits Making an Impact in Reno

Growing Community: Garden-Focused Nonprofits Making an Impact in Reno

by Amaia Condon

Spring in Reno is one of the best times of the year. The trees are blooming, the sun is out more, and it feels like everyone wants to get outside. But it’s not just flowers and trees that are growing, there are also some amazing local nonprofits using gardens to bring people together and making a real difference in the community.

These groups are helping people connect with where their food comes from, learn new skills, and spend time with others in a way that actually matters. If you are looking to do something positive in Reno this season, these organizations are a great place to start.

FARMily
FARMily is all about using food to connect people. They run three organic gardens and three teaching kitchens and work with more than 1,200 K-12 students each year, giving kids and families hands-on experience with growing and cooking fresh food. Their gardens produce about 2,500 pounds of vegetables, fruits, and herbs every year, all of which get donated to people in need in Reno and Sparks. FARMily also hosts workshops and creates spaces where everyone, from kids to adults, can get their hands in the dirt. It’s a welcoming environment, especially if you’re new to gardening or just want to get more involved. Their goal is simple: to help people feel connected to the food they eat and the community around them.

For more information, visit ourfarmily.org.

Urban Roots
Urban Roots focuses more on kids and students, which makes their programs feel like an investment in the future. They partner with local schools to teach students how to grow and harvest food, but it’s not just gardening — kids also learn leadership skills, how to make healthy choices, and ways to care for the environment. The hands-on approach makes it fun and memorable, and the skills that the kids learn will stay with them long-term.

For more information, visit urbanrootsnv.org.

Soulful Seeds
Soulful Seeds is all about community and inclusion. They want everyone to have access to fresh, healthy food and to feel like they belong. Through shared gardens, workshops, and community events, they bring people together from all kinds of backgrounds. They also honor the traditions and cultures tied to food, which adds another layer to what they do. With Soulful Seeds, gardening isn’t just about growing food, it’s about growing connections.

For more information, visit soulfulseedsnevada.org.

Reno Food Systems
Reno Food Systems works on the bigger picture of food in Reno. They help connect local growers, farmers markets, and the community so that fresh, local food is easier for everyone to get. They also run programs that educate and support a sustainable food system. In doing so, they make it easier for locals to know where their food comes from and feel like a part of a stronger, healthier community.

For more information, visit renofoodsystems.org.

Why It Matters
These nonprofits are doing more than planting seeds — they’re teaching, connecting people, and creating spaces where everyone can be part of something bigger. In a world that can feel a little disconnected, it’s important to have that connection.

Quick Ways to Get Involved This Spring

• Volunteer – Most of these groups welcome extra hands in the garden, at workshops, or during events. Even an hour or two makes a difference.
• Attend a workshop – Learn gardening tips, cooking skills, or sustainable practices by checking each nonprofit’s event calendar.
• Bring the kids – Programs like FARMily and Urban Roots are designed for all ages, so kids can get hands-on learning while having fun outdoors.
• Support local produce – Stop by farmers markets or community events run by these nonprofits. Buying local food helps the gardens and the community grow.
• Follow and share – Keep up with their social media to see what’s happening and spread the word; it’s an easy way to help without leaving home.

This spring, if you’re looking for something fun and meaningful to do, consider checking out one of these groups. Gardens aren’t just for plants; they’re for people too. In Reno, these organizations are helping the community grow, one garden at a time.