SSFI's Year-Round Seed Project

Since 1994, Julia Duany has been collecting envelopes of vegetable seed in the United States and distributing them to women in south Sudan. Julia describes the power of a gift of seeds in her article, Connecting with Someone Far Away, in the March, 2002 South Sudanese Lens.

You can get involved with this project by collecting envelopes of vegetable seed and sending them to SSFI at any time, along with a little money to cover shipping costs. Our delivery of supplies to the village of Pading in May, 2004 included seeds collected by SSFI's supporters.

Mary Nyachin Chol, Chairlady of the South Sudan Women's Association, reports that in 2001, seed was distributed in the following areas in Akobo and Waat Provinces of Upper Nile, South Sudan: Akobo, Burmath, Alalli, Kaikuiny, Tangnyang, Walgak, Waat, Yuai, Langken, and Motot.

What kinds of seeds are needed most? Easy-to-grow varieties such as squash, zucchini, greens, Swiss chard, cabbage, beans, tomato, corn, carrot, peppers, and onion.

Do's and don'ts:

• Do buy on sale or at end of season clearance

• Do tell the store manager why you need the seeds (you never know when a manager might be moved to contribute more seeds)

What to do when you're finished collecting:

• To help pay shipping costs, please include $1 for every ten envelopes

• For large quantities of envelopes, simply send $25 or more

If you would like:

• Tell us something about yourself or your organization

• Send a photo

We will add your information and your photo to this page. You never know when your experience might convince someone else to get involved.

Since Julia's article appeared, SSFI has received generous contributions of seed and funds for shipping from:

1. First United Methodist Church, Emmetsburg, Iowa

Richard "Dick" Abels, Chairperson of the Emmetsburg, Iowa, United Methodist Church Mission Committee, standing beside the "SOS" or "Send Our Seeds" to Sudan collection basket for the seeds collected to send to Sudan. Church members contributed 504 packets of seeds.

-Myram T.

2. Nashville Christian Church, Nashville, Indiana

The Ladies Missionary Fellowship at the Nashville Christian Church in Nashville, Indiana has collected seed packets from our congregation the month of July to send to Sudan. We have 222 packets and $25 for shipping. We wanted to help with the situation and thought this a good way to involve many of all ages at our church. Thanks for all you do!!

--June F.

3. First Presbyterian Church, New Castle, Indiana

In 2001, the congregation collected hundreds of pound of supplies and paid $1,700 in shipping to send them to Sudan with Julia. This year (2002) they have approximately 751 lbs. of medical supplies, including a grain mill, and thousands of packets of seed. "It will help people because they are hungry," says Rebecca, who with her brother Andrew led the seed collection. (Courier-Times photo)

4. First United Presbyterian Church, DePere, WI

We raised support for training Pastors from Kakuma Refugee Camp at Calvary Ministries Bible College and collected 800 packets of vegetable seed.

--Jodi L-B.

5. Betty V., Glendale Heights, IL

6. George M. Duarte, CA

7. Mary M., North Manchester, IN

8. students of Paula G., Bloomington, IN

9. Audrey M., Bloomington, IN

10. from Bloomington, IN

Manuel B.
Samuel B.
Ken and Cindy D.
Malcolm and Ruth F.
Harry H.
David L.
Audrey M.
Enid R.
Rob S.
William W.

11. from Davis, CA

Michael and Carol G.

12. from Wichita, KS

Margaret L.

13. from Denmark, WI

Jody L.

14. from N. Manchester, IN

Mary M.
Gilbert and Dorothy W.

15. from Bloomingdale, IL

William and Marlene M.

16. from Van Nuys, CA

Scott and Jo T.

17. from Glendale Heights, IL

Bette V.

18. from Oak Ridge, TN

Richard W.

19. Children of Woodland Hills Presbyterian Church, Woodland Hills, CA