It's a beautiful thing when the seeds of an innovative idea grow into a bounty of vegetables that can help local hunger relief efforts. It also is satisfying to see a simple concept to help the needy expand into a network of sustainable urban gardens and food resources.
In 2008, SEED Wayne (Sustainable Food Systems Education & Engagement in Detroit & Wayne State University) was launched to grow, collect and distribute fresh food to area residents. Ford Motor Company Fund threw its support behind the effort with a $100,000 grant.
It's a partnership that has blossomed with student leadership, community-based hunger relief agencies and area businesses. The latest activity, Detroit FRESH, helps small stores to stock fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhoods.
"We are going ahead full steam," said Kami Pothukuchi, director, SEED Wayne and associate professor of Urban Planning. 
"We couldn't have done it without Ford's support!"
SEED Wayne was selected by Ford to receive a Ford College Community Challenge Grant. Each year, Ford challenges colleges and universities across the nation to propose innovative, student-led, sustainable solutions to pressing community problems. Proposals must have significant student involvement and address the theme "Building Sustainable Communities" in an innovative way. Five Ford College Community Challenge Grants are awarded each year.
