We’re Stepping Up as Others Step Back
This year marks a turning point in the landscape of global and local aid. Internationally, the closure of USAID programs and shrinking humanitarian funding have placed millions at heightened risk. Nationally, federal reductions are making it even harder for families to access fresh, healthy food.
Despite these challenges, powerful stories of resilience and grassroots action are working to fill the gap. Communities are coming together, and new partnerships are taking root. We are committed to growing both our international and domestic programs to address urgent needs—and we value your partnership in this effort!
Together, we can equip families and communities with the tools they need to plant seeds of hope and resilience — right when they are needed most.
End of USAID & A Growing Humanitarian Gap
On July 1, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was officially closed, following the elimination of 83% of its programs earlier this year. The impact of this closure cannot be overstated.
A new study published in The Lancet found that USAID programs helped reduce global deaths from all causes by 15% and reduced child mortality (ages 0–5) by 32%. Over the last two decades, these programs are estimated to have saved more than 90 million lives.
The same study forecasts a sobering future: if current cuts continue through 2030, we could see 14 million preventable deaths, including 4.5 million children. The greatest losses will occur in countries already struggling with poverty, disease, and conflict.
As public funding for humanitarian efforts is projected to fall by 34–45% by the end of 2025, a perfect storm is forming: rising global hunger, worsening health crises, and shrinking resources to respond.
Fresh Food Access Under Threat in the U.S.
Critical programs supporting fresh food access in the U.S. have also been eliminated. In 2025, the USDA ended two major programs that provided $1 billion for schools and food banks to purchase fresh, local produce. These cuts include:
- $660 million for the Local Food and Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, which helped schools and childcare centers buy food from local farms.
- $500 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Program, which supported food banks and community food access programs.
Additionally, recently passed budgetary reductions cut $186 billion to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through 2034. This program supports people with money to afford food to feed their family. These cuts are expected to impact over 600,000 families, including 500,000 children. Earlier this month SNAP benefits were halted for 42 million Americans. Of this number, 39% are children, 20% are elderly, and 10% are nonelderly people with a disability (USDA).
All this is happening as food banks see significant increases in demand. This sudden stop in funds caused some food banks to see an increase in demand of up to 1,800%. Food banks were seeing an increase in demand even before SNAP benefits were paused due to rising food costs, inflation, and general increases in the cost of living.
Working Together to Multiply Our Impact
The ripple effects from these cuts are profound: fewer resources, fewer meals, and fewer opportunities for families to thrive. That’s why we’re stepping up by expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships, and supporting families to grow food and resilience from the ground up.
This year we are reaching new highs. So far this year we are partnering with 77 partners in 21 countries, distributing over 1.8 million packets of seed. This is more than double the amount of seed we distributed last year and is roughly enough to grow 50 million servings of vegetables. We are working hard to find new efficiencies and do more with less, and we are continually inspired by the dedication and impact of our numerous partners.
Your support makes this possible. Together, we can help fill the immense gaps left by shrinking aid. Join us in planting seeds of hope and showing what compassion and community can accomplish.
Ways to Get Involved
Your support is needed now more than ever. Explore our Ways to Donate page for more details, or use one of these quick options:
Make your donation go further by donating on GivingTuesday to access matching funds by GlobalGiving:
Host a Seed Packing Event!
A fun and meaningful activity for community groups, faith-based organizations, businesses, schools, clubs, and more. Bring people together while supporting families around the world.
- Enhance engagement during meetings.
- Meaningfully connect communities.
- Receive an annual report about our work.
- Improve foods security, agricultural knowledge, and nutrition!
