The Seeds of Hope Farm is operated by the Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) to relieve the burden of poverty and uplift communities in St Louis County by spreading knowledge about food, nutrition, and agriculture.
Our approach to increasing food security focuses on improving physical availability and education. We regularly host classes on cooking and gardening. Our STEM on the Farm program brings immersive hands-on learning experiences to local elementary students.
- Our produce serves CAASTLC’s food pantry and nearby Helping Hands food pantry
- STEM on the Farm
- Volunteers and gardening class participants learn by doing and strengthen their social network
- Cooking Classes are conducted in cooperation with MU Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
MEET THE TEAM
John Williams
Farm Manager
John Williams has been involved in St. Louis local food systems for two decades, having worked at local groceries, butcheries and five area farms. He is an Illinois Master Gardener, an avid home cook and a certified Life Lab Outdoor Educator. John enjoys the vital work of bringing people into a closer relationship with nature and the food they eat. When not at Seeds of Hope, he can be found working to establish his own family homestead.
Randy Tempel
Farm Specialist
Our Farm Specialist Randy Tempel has been with the farm since its start in 2012. As a Life Lab certified Outdoor Educator he enjoys leading farm tours and activities for visiting students. He is a Missouri Master Naturalist and recently developed the farm into an accredited arboretum to share useful knowledge about our many trees and shrubs. He enjoys gardening and cooking with his family.