Apple Seeds Teaching Farm Expands Across Arkansas

Nonprofit to add new locations in Northwest Arkansas and Central Arkansas to meet growing demand for hands-on food education.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Apple Seeds Teaching Farm, a nonprofit focused on inspiring healthy living through garden-based education, is expanding its operations across Arkansas. The organization plans to add a new teaching farm location in Northwest Arkansas as well as a site in central Arkansas, responding to increased demand for its programming that teaches students to grow, cook and enjoy fresh food.

Why it matters

Arkansas ranks 49th in the nation for overall health, highlighting the need for more nutrition education and access to healthy food for children in the state. Apple Seeds' expansion will allow the organization to reach more students and families, helping to build healthier habits and address diet-related diseases.

The details

Apple Seeds' strategic growth plan comes as the nonprofit faces more demand for its hands-on food education programs than it can currently meet. The new locations will allow Apple Seeds to serve more students across Arkansas, teaching them about gardening, cooking, and developing a appreciation for fresh, nutritious food.

  • Apple Seeds was founded in 2007.
  • The organization currently works with more than 20,000 students each year.
  • The new expansion plans were recently announced.

The players

Apple Seeds Teaching Farm

A nonprofit organization that aims to inspire healthy living through garden-based education, providing hands-on programming for students to learn about growing, cooking and enjoying fresh food.

Mary Thompson

The executive director of Apple Seeds Teaching Farm.

Kara Davis

The principal of Northside Elementary School in Rogers, Arkansas.

Stephanie Jordan

The coordinator for the Fayetteville School District's gardening programs.

Leah Padilla

The principal at Janie Darr Elementary School in Rogers, Arkansas.

Sarah Stallings

The principal at Jones Elementary School in Rogers, Arkansas.

Gracie Ziegler

A spokeswoman for the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

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What they’re saying

“Apple Seeds has built a model that truly works, and more schools are asking for it than we can currently serve. This next phase of growth allows us to reach more students with hands-on food education, helping kids learn to grow, cook and enjoy fresh food while building healthier habits for life.”

— Mary Thompson, Executive Director, Apple Seeds Teaching Farm

“In Arkansas, the average child eats less than one vegetable per day, and our state consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation for overall health outcomes. Many of our students come to school having never tried fresh vegetables, and some will not touch them at all. Apple Seeds helps change that.”

— Kara Davis, Principal, Northside Elementary School

“Building a foundation of nutrition and health is critical not only to students' success in school, but to their long-term success in life. We are incredibly fortunate to have Apple Seeds as a partner supporting that mission.”

— Stephanie Jordan, Coordinator, Fayetteville School District Gardening Programs

“Apple Seeds allows students to explore where food comes from, learn about plants, sustainability and engage in meaningful discussions about community and responsibility. These experiences support curiosity, critical thinking and engagement in ways that cannot be done fully in the classroom.”

— Leah Padilla, Principal, Janie Darr Elementary School

“Our schools are experts in core academics, but it is beneficial to partner with agencies to teach niche subjects such as farm-to-table nutrition.”

— Sarah Stallings, Principal, Jones Elementary School

What’s next

Apple Seeds is still searching for a site for the second Northwest Arkansas teaching farm location.

The takeaway

Apple Seeds' expansion across Arkansas demonstrates the growing demand for hands-on food education programs that can help address the state's poor health outcomes, particularly among children. By partnering with local schools, the nonprofit is able to inspire healthier habits and a deeper appreciation for fresh, nutritious food.