Sprouts & Spice Academy
Cultivating confident young learners through food, land, and culture.
Sprouts & Spice Academy
The youth and family nourishment arm of Roots to Growth
Our Mission
To transform how youth learn by providing culturally grounded food, garden, culinary, and nutrition education.
About Sprouts & Spice Academy
Cultivating confident young learners through food, land, and culture.
Sprouts & Spice Academy is the youth food systems education program of Roots to Growth.
We prepare young people to explore careers in culinary arts, agriculture, nutrition, and food systems through hands-on, culturally grounded learning experiences.
Our programs center food as both a practical skill and a pathway to opportunity. Students learn the full journey of food, from seed to table, while building confidence, leadership, and career awareness.
Who We Serve
Middle & High School Youth
We serve middle and high school students who are curious about food, cooking, gardening, and the systems that feed our communities. Our programming supports youth interested in food systems careers, including culinary arts, agriculture, nutrition, sustainability, and community food work.
Students gain hands-on experience that connects learning to real-world pathways, helping them imagine futures in food-related fields.
Young Adults (Ages 18–24)
We support young adults through advanced learning opportunities, internships, and applied experiences that build workforce readiness in culinary, agriculture, and community food systems.
Colleges & University Partners
We collaborate with colleges, HBCUs, and land-grant universities to create meaningful learning experiences in nutrition, food systems, agriculture, and community engagement. These partnerships support youth pipelines, mentorship, and exposure to postsecondary pathways in food-related fields.
Families
Families and caregivers are invited to engage through select workshops and community events that reinforce learning at home and support youth growth, curiosity, and confidence.
Our Programs
Hands-on learning experiences that transform students into food leaders
Culinary & Garden Bootcamps
Hands-on experiences where youth learn how to grow, prepare, and enjoy nourishing meals. Students plant, harvest, cook, and connect with the full food cycle from soil to table.
Currently Available:Through schools, after-school programs, and community partnerships across North Carolina.
Future Vision (Summer 2026): On-site workshops at our teaching kitchen and garden hub.
School & Community Partnerships
We collaborate with schools, youth programs, camps, and community organizations to bring culturally grounded nutrition and food education directly to students and families.
Current Reach: 35 schools and community organizations across North Carolina
Future Vision: Deeper collaborations with colleges and universities to support learning, leadership, and connection to land.
Youth Leadership and Real-World Experience
Students gain confidence and hands-on experience by supporting community meals, Soul House & Gardens events, and family-centered activities. They learn teamwork, culinary skills, event support, storytelling, and community engagement.
Skills Gained: Culinary techniques, event production, hospitality, teamwork, and professional communication
Student Pathway
A clear progression from hands-on learning to professional opportunities
Learn
Hands-on experiences through garden and cooking workshops. Students explore the full journey of food from seed to plate.
Grow
Opportunities to connect with higher education, mentorship, and community-based pathways in food, agriculture, and the culinary arts.
Our Impact
Building pathways, transforming lives
2,500+
Students engaged in workshops
35
School & community partnerships
100%
Hands-on, experiential learning
Dozens
Students trained professionally
Get Involved
Join us in cultivating the next generation of food leaders
Parents & Students
Enroll in Sprouts & Spice programs and gain hands-on experience in farming, cooking, and nutrition
Schools & Organizations
Collaborate to bring workshops and bootcamps directly to your students
Universities & HBCUs
Create pathways from K-12 to higher education in food systems and agriculture
Supporters
Donate or sponsor a bootcamp to make this transformative work possible