Dexter age 18, Clayton age 16, and Ashleigh age 12 reside in Fort White, Florida, where they are having a tremendous impact on their community. In 2019 alone, they donated over 12,000 pounds of fresh produce to their community. Year after year, the siblings continue to be the top Katie’s Krops producers.

“We have learned from our garden/giving back experience that we gained a purpose in our community by serving those around us.   Giving back has been a great way to get to know our community and its citizens. We have an opportunity to meet lots of new people.  Working with other volunteers who also care about improving our surroundings allows us to broaden our network of supporters.  It has helped us better to understand the circumstances of other citizens in our community and helps you to be an effective and empathetic citizen.”

Their garden grows year-round, and they share their harvest with The Young Marines of North Central Florida. The Young Marines is a national non-profit 501c3 youth education and service program for boys and girls, age eight, through the completion of high school. The Young Marines promote the mental, moral, and physical development of its members.

The Young Marines of North Central Florida Food Pantry – Feeding  Families – Food Pantry Distribution is held every Tuesday, in Fort White, Deece Park, at 1:00 pm.  Food insecurity and drug use are closely connected in the context of poverty, according to studies. Findings suggest a high degree of poverty among study participants, but particularly among drug users.  Drug users were more likely to be food insecure and be exposed to increasingly severe food sufficiency problems.  Their goal is also to help reduce drug use by providing a source of food security.  They strive to promote community service that will end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and promote living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

“Growing for Katie’s Krops is important to us because we are able to reach a diverse population of people and do one thing….help others.   We serve three organizations, North Central Florida Young Marines, Scouts of America, and Katie’s Krops.”

We are blessed to have young Growers who are so dedicated to serving their community.