With rising food costs, growing health concerns, and increasing environmental stress, food sovereignty is no longer a niche issue—it’s a necessity. That’s why, on April 22—Earth Day—we launched the Grow With Us campaign. The goal: to bring community members together through farming, foster connection, and encourage investment in our local community by supporting food distribution programs.

This month, we spoke with Henrietta Isaboke, AfriThrive’s Director of Agricultural Programs, to explore the roots of the campaign, how it works, and why growing food matters more than ever.

Q: What inspired the Grow With Us campaign?

Henrietta: At its core, Grow With Us is a grassroots fundraising campaign. It’s a way to bring our community together in a personal and tangible way. We’re teaching people how to grow their own food and live more sustainably while inviting them to make a financial contribution that supports our mission. It’s a reminder that when many small hands come together to grow a tomato or give $10, we can collectively help a lot of people.

Q: Why choose a tomato plant?

Henrietta: Tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and, if properly cared for, can yield up to 20 pounds per plant in one season. Our growing guide includes all the steps to help people succeed.

Q: Really?

Henrietta: Yes! But you do have to care for it—feed it, make sure it gets enough sunlight and water, and check in on it regularly.

Q: What about fertilizers?

Henrietta: You don’t need chemical fertilizers. You can use your food scraps as compost. Either let the scraps rot separately or apply them directly to your plant. We want to discourage the use of synthetic fertilizers and instead promote organic growing methods. It’s healthier for both the plant and the planet.

Q: Why combine growing with fundraising?

Henrietta: Gardening represents connection, investment, and inspiration—just like giving does. Grow With Us invites people to support a local organization serving the community while learning how to grow food organically and embrace healthy eating.

The funds raised help support our cultural farm, where we grow traditional, organic crops for distribution, and allow us to purchase additional nutritious food for families in need. It’s about making sure everyone—regardless of income—has access to healthy, culturally relevant food.

Q: Why is it important to involve the whole family in growing food?

Henrietta: It’s essential to make growing food a family activity—especially for young people. Many kids today don’t know where their food comes from, and that’s concerning. When only a few people control food production, it creates monopolies, drives up prices, and limits access. But when we teach the next generation how to grow food, we’re not just sharing practical skills. We’re nurturing values like self-reliance, sustainability, and the importance of health. It empowers young people to take charge of their wellbeing, their environment, and their future.

Q: Why launch the campaign on Earth Day?

Henrietta: Earth Day is a powerful reminder that we only have one planet, and it’s our responsibility to care for it. One of the best ways to do that is by growing our own food. Every seed planted contributes to a healthier Earth. Home gardens reduce the need for long-distance food transport, which cuts down on carbon emissions. Composting food scraps keeps waste out of landfills and enriches the soil. Plus, plants like tomatoes help purify the air. Growing food is a simple yet powerful act of environmental stewardship.

Q: What about people who don’t have space to garden?

Henrietta: You don’t need a backyard to grow tomatoes! They can thrive in containers on balconies, windowsills, fire escapes, or even indoors near a sunny window. All you need is a pot, some soil, sunlight, and a little care. That’s the beauty of Grow With Us—you can participate no matter your living situation. It’s about creativity, adaptability, and making the most of what you have. Even small spaces can yield big results.

Q: How can people get involved?

Henrietta: There are a few ways. You can donate through our website—every gift helps us provide healthy food to more families. You can also grow your own tomatoes by emailing us at info@afrithrive.org to request tomato seeds and a growing bag. Don’t forget to include your address, and you can download our step-by-step growing guide from our site to follow along.