Roots to Growth
Amplifying voices, cultivating futures
Creating clear pathways in agriculture, culinary arts, and nutrition for youth ages 11-20 across North Carolina
Who We Are
Founded in 2023, Roots to Growth is a North Carolina-based nonprofit dedicated to creating pathways in agriculture, culinary arts, and nutrition for youth and beginning farmers. Since our founding, we've engaged 2,500+ young people across the state, helping them discover hands-on skills, career opportunities, and their own potential to shape the future of food and agriculture.
Our Mission
Roots to Growth creates clear pathways for youth and beginning farmers in agriculture, culinary arts, and nutrition, building stronger communities through education and opportunity.
Our Vision
We imagine a world where the next generation finds purpose, opportunity, and growth by working with the land, food, and each other.
Our Programs
Three interconnected pathways that create lasting impact
Sprouts & Spice Academy
Hands-on training in farming, cooking, and nutrition for youth ages 11-24. Our immersive bootcamps take students through the full cycle of food—from garden to kitchen to table.
Learn More →Soulful Seeds Podcast
Stories from the land, voices for the future. We document and share the journeys of farmers, food leaders, and cultural changemakers, preserving knowledge and inspiring the next generation.
Listen Now →Soul House & Gardens
Garden-inspired culinary experiences that bring communities together while providing real-world training for our students in event production, hospitality, and culinary arts.
Discover Events →Our Impact Since 2023
Building pathways, transforming communities
Get Involved
Join us in cultivating the next generation of food leaders
For Youth & Families
Enroll in Sprouts & Spice programs and gain hands-on experience in agriculture and culinary arts
Enroll NowFor Schools & Partners
Collaborate to bring food and farming education to your students and community
Partner With UsFor Supporters
Your donation helps us expand our programs and reach more young people across North Carolina
Donate TodayFor Everyone
Listen to the Soulful Seeds Podcast and share the stories that are shaping our food systems
Listen & ShareSprouts & Spice Academy
Cultivating future food leaders through hands-on culinary, nutrition, and garden education
From garden to kitchen to table—we engage students ages 11-24 in the full cycle of food, creating clear pathways to careers in agriculture, culinary arts, and food systems.
About Sprouts & Spice
The youth education arm of Roots to Growth
Our Mission
Sprouts & Spice Agricultural Academy engages middle school, high school, and young adult learners in the full cycle of food—from growing in the garden to cooking in the kitchen to understanding nutrition and wellness.
We create clear, inspiring pathways for young people to explore careers in agriculture, culinary arts, and food systems through hands-on education that sparks curiosity and builds practical skills.
Who We Serve
- Students ages 11-24 exploring food and farming careers
- Schools & community organizations seeking hands-on education
- HBCUs & land-grant universities building student pipelines
What Makes Us Unique
- Full cycle education: Soil to table
- Real-world experience through Soul House events
- Pathways to careers and higher education
- Culturally responsive curriculum
Our Programs
Hands-on learning experiences that transform students into food leaders
🌾 Culinary & Garden Bootcamps
Immersive workshops that combine farming, cooking, and nutrition. Students plant, harvest, and prepare meals, learning how food moves from soil to table.
Currently Available: Delivered through school and community partnerships across North Carolina
Coming Summer 2026: On-site bootcamps at our teaching kitchen and farm hub
🏫 School & Community Partnerships
We partner with schools, after-school programs, and community organizations to bring culinary and agricultural education directly to students.
Current Reach: 35 schools and community organizations across North Carolina
Future Vision: Deeper partnerships with HBCUs and land-grant universities to create stronger career pathways
💼 Professional Experience
Students gain real-world experience by supporting Soul House & Gardens events, learning professional skills in culinary arts, event management, and community engagement.
Skills Gained: Culinary techniques, event production, hospitality, teamwork, and professional communication
Student Pathway
A clear progression from hands-on learning to professional opportunities
Learn
Begin with hands-on education in culinary and garden bootcamps. Discover the full cycle of food from soil to table.
Practice
Gain professional experience by supporting Soul House & Gardens events, working alongside food professionals.
Grow
Connect to higher education partnerships, internships, and food system careers through our network.
Our Impact
Building pathways, transforming lives
Looking Ahead
Our vision for the future of Sprouts & Spice
🏡 Summer 2026
Opening of our on-site teaching kitchen and farm hub, providing a dedicated space for immersive, multi-day bootcamps and year-round programming.
🎓 Higher Education Partnerships
Establish formal partnerships with HBCUs and land-grant universities to create a seamless pipeline from middle school to higher education and career opportunities.
🌍 Expanded Reach
Scale our programs to reach more students across North Carolina and beyond, creating a model that can be replicated in communities nationwide.
Get Involved
Join us in cultivating the next generation of food leaders
Parents & Students
Enroll in Sprouts & Spice programs and gain hands-on experience in farming, cooking, and nutrition
Enroll TodaySchools & Organizations
Collaborate to bring workshops and bootcamps directly to your students
Partner With UsUniversities & HBCUs
Create pathways from K-12 to higher education in food systems and agriculture
Build PartnershipsSoulful Seeds Podcast
Stories from the land, voices for the future
Through our visual podcast and digital content, we share the voices of farmers, food leaders, and cultural storytellers whose work shapes our communities and food systems.
Listen & Watch on Your Favorite Platform
About Soulful Seeds
The storytelling and media platform of Roots to Growth
Soulful Seeds is more than a podcast—it's a movement to preserve heritage, inspire youth, and connect people more deeply to the land and to each other.
By documenting the stories of farmers, chefs, and community leaders, we capture voices that might otherwise go unheard. These stories become teaching tools, sources of inspiration, and bridges between generations.
Every episode celebrates the resilience, innovation, and cultural richness of people working within our food systems.
Season One (2025)
Three powerful stories now streaming
Episode 1
Meet a farmer whose dedication to sustainable agriculture is transforming their community and inspiring the next generation.
Watch on YouTube →Episode 2
A food leader shares their journey from farm to table, exploring the cultural significance of traditional farming practices.
Watch on YouTube →Episode 3
Discover how one community leader is using food and storytelling to create lasting change in their neighborhood.
Watch on YouTube →Why Storytelling Matters
The power of amplifying voices from the land
Preserves Heritage
We document traditional knowledge and farming practices that might otherwise be lost, ensuring cultural wisdom passes to future generations.
Inspires Youth
Young people see themselves in these stories, discovering role models and career possibilities they never knew existed.
Builds Community
Stories create connections—between urban and rural, young and old, farmers and consumers—strengthening the fabric of our food systems.
Educational Tool
Episodes become resources for classrooms, workshops, and community gatherings, bringing agriculture and food systems education to life.
Get Involved
Help us amplify voices from the land
Subscribe & Listen
Watch on YouTube, listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share episodes with your community
Subscribe NowNominate a Guest
Know a farmer, chef, or community leader with a powerful story? We want to hear from them
Submit NominationPartner With Us
Interested in sponsoring an episode, collaborating on content, or hosting a live recording?
Partner OpportunitiesShare Your Story
Are you a farmer, food leader, or cultural changemaker? We'd love to feature your journey
Be a GuestStories That Grow Communities
Subscribe today and be part of the movement to amplify voices from the land
Soul House & Gardens
Garden-inspired culinary experiences that connect people, culture, and community
We host private dinners, cultural gatherings, and community celebrations that bring people together through food, storytelling, and design—while training the next generation of food professionals.
About Soul House & Gardens
Where culinary excellence meets community impact
Our Story
Soul House & Gardens is the events and experiences arm of Roots to Growth. We create unforgettable moments where food becomes a bridge—connecting people to each other, to their heritage, and to the land.
What makes us unique is our dual purpose: every event we host is both a celebration and a training ground. Sprouts & Spice students work alongside experienced chefs and event professionals, gaining hands-on skills in culinary arts, event production, and hospitality.
Through thoughtfully designed experiences, we strengthen communities while preparing young people for meaningful careers in the food industry.
Who We Serve
- Families and clients seeking memorable private dining experiences
- Community members attending cultural and food-centered events
- Partners and organizations who value experiential learning
- Sprouts & Spice students gaining professional training
The Soul House Difference
What makes our experiences unforgettable
Every Event Supports Youth
When you book with us, you're investing in the next generation. Students gain real-world experience while you enjoy exceptional service.
Garden-to-Table
Seasonal, locally-sourced menus that celebrate North Carolina's agricultural bounty and honor cultural food traditions.
Cultural Storytelling
Every dish tells a story. We weave heritage, history, and personal narratives into thoughtfully curated dining experiences.
Intimate & Intentional
Thoughtfully designed gatherings in beautiful settings where every detail matters and every guest feels valued.
Experiences We Offer
Culinary gatherings that nourish body, mind, and community
🌿 Private Dinners & Celebrations
Elegant, garden-inspired meals in intimate settings. Perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, or any special occasion that deserves to be celebrated with intention.
What's Included: Custom seasonal menus, thoughtful table design, professional service, and the satisfaction of knowing you're supporting youth development.
🍂 Community Events
Farm-to-table experiences and cultural gatherings that strengthen community connections. These events celebrate food traditions, honor local farmers, and bring neighbors together.
Perfect For: Neighborhood gatherings, cultural celebrations, fundraisers, and community-building events.
🎓 Youth Training Site
Sprouts & Spice students gain professional experience by working our events, learning real-time skills in culinary arts, event production, hospitality, and customer service.
Impact: Students work alongside professionals, build confidence, and prepare for careers in the food industry—all while delivering exceptional experiences.
Future Vision: Summer 2026
Expanding into a dedicated teaching kitchen and event hub
In Summer 2026, Soul House & Gardens will transform into a permanent space on our property—a beautiful teaching kitchen and event hub where culinary excellence and youth development come together.
This dedicated facility will allow us to expand our offerings, host more events, and provide even deeper training opportunities for Sprouts & Spice students.
🏡 Teaching Kitchen
Professional-grade space for culinary education, recipe development, and hands-on training
🌳 Outdoor Event Space
Garden-surrounded venue for farm-to-table dinners and community gatherings
👨🍳 Professional Training
Year-round opportunities for students to learn from chefs, event planners, and hospitality professionals
🎨 Youth-Led Events
Students design, plan, and execute their own events, gaining entrepreneurial skills
Our Impact So Far
Building community, one gathering at a time
Get Involved
Be part of something delicious and meaningful
Book Your Event
Host your next celebration with Soul House & Gardens. Create memories while supporting youth development.
Request BookingPartner With Us
Collaborate to host a cultural or community gathering that brings people together through food.
Partnership InquirySponsor Youth Training
Support a youth training event and help prepare the next generation of food leaders.
Sponsor an EventAttend a Community Event
Join us for upcoming community dinners, cultural celebrations, and farm-to-table experiences.
See EventsReady to Create Something Beautiful?
Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, a community celebration, or want to support our youth training programs, we'd love to hear from you.