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Community Seed Library in the works for Minot

Hannah Baleme/MDN Amee Mitchell is gathering support for a Community Seed Library in hopes of providing nutrition and nourishment for those in need.

Lack of reliable child care in Minot has left countless single parents, like Amee Mitchell, and others in a desolate situation. As a result, Mitchell proposes a Community Seed Library to be accessible to everyone.

“I realized, well, I’ve been a gardener for 10 years. I could probably feed a lot more people than just my family,” said Mitchell.

Unlike a food bank, the Seed Library will focus on providing healthy food for more than just a few days. It will offer free classes to teach families how to plant their own food and provide them with the supplies necessary.

“I think it is way more beneficial if we take the time to teach people how to grow their own food and don’t charge them.” Mithell said.

Providing the community with tools and education to grow their own food will not only help ease the financial burden of feeding a family but also teach valuable skills to be passed down for generations. As Mitchell puts it, “You’re feeding generations.”

Operating under a barter and trade system rather than currency, people can donate soil, gardening tools, and seeds. In return, they get the food when it comes time to harvest. Mitchell said it will be set up to where, “If you need something and I have it, and you have what I need, all we have to do is communicate.”

Mitchell has had to purchase and rely on donations. But the more vocal she became about this cause, the more the resources came in. She said, “I won’t need to buy any more dirt because someone has said come take it, get as much as you want.”

She has been receiving numerous vegetable and herb donations as well, such as organic seed potatoes, basil and tomatoes.

“You don’t need money to make a change, you need support and people who are willing to give. There’s not enough of that in the world right now.” Mitchell said.

Mitchell has been in contact with Elly DesLauriers, the new executive director of the Minot Park District, and Emily How, an agricultural and horticulture agent in Ward County, both of whom expressed strong interest in the project. If all goes well, Mitchell estimates the Seed Library to be up and running as soon as spring sow season 2024.

“It’s such an important cause — something has to be started somewhere, big or small.” Mitchell said.

Mitchell hopes her plans will reach outside of Minot and have a beneficial impact on “not just the American people, but the human race.”

For more information visit the “Seeds for Earth- United Seed/Plant Exchange Facebook page. Those who would like to donate supplies can contact Mitchell at seedsforchange555@gmail.com.

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