the f.e.w. project
Flowering Edible Woods
It only takes a FEW to feed many. <3
It only takes a FEW to feed many. <3
What is the FEW project?
Overview:
We Become More's FEW Project, short for Flowering Edible Woods, is a visionary initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the greater KCMO and surrounding areas. By partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation, we procure native fruit, nut, and (edible) flowering tree and shrub seedlings, which are strategically planted in yards and designated areas with the consent of homeowners and city officials.
The Vision:
Our vision goes beyond immediate solutions; we're sowing the seeds of sustainability. Recognizing the challenges of food distribution inefficiencies, we've taken a proactive approach by working to get seedlings into the right peoples hands; we help people who have a desire to freely help others also. Planting trees and shrubs ensures that we will have nutritious fruits and nuts for years to come. The adage, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” — Greek Proverb, encapsulates the essence of our mission.
Why Seedlings:
While it takes 3-6 years for these seedlings to reach maturity, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial wait. By starting with seedlings, we significantly lower costs, allowing us to extend our efforts and positively impact a greater number of lives.
Why Natives:
Planting native trees and shrubs requires less care for these seedlings to reach maturity. These seedlings are accustomed to our environment, our soil, water, etc. which limits the needed human inputs which saves resources - time, water, and so on. By planting natives, we also mitigate the concern of fostering potentially invasive species.
Community Engagement:
We invite anyone who is willing to agree to the terms of this program to participate so that we can spread our mission as far as possible. We freely give out these seedlings and in return, we ask for a commitment to: 1) Pick up the seedlings when they become available, 2) Plant the seedling in the ground and nurture and care for them until they reach maturity, and 3) Freely share the future yield from these seedlings with anyone and everyone who is in need. This not only ensures their successful development but also fosters a sense of communal responsibility.
How You Can Help:
Support the FEW Project by becoming a sponsor for tree plantings. Your sponsorship contributes to the procurement of seedlings, lowering costs, and enabling us to reach more individuals in need. Additionally, homeowners interested in planting these seedlings in their yards can join our email list to be notified when these seedlings arrive and become catalysts for positive change in their communities. The next round of trees/shrubs will arrive sometime in March or April, 2025. We will begin planting and distribution immediately.
Impact:
The FEW Project isn't just about planting trees; it's about planting hope, resilience, and a sustainable future. Join us in creating a community where everyone has access to nutritious, locally sourced food grown in their community, not just today, but for generations to come.
*The 2024 IMPACT UPDATE can be found at the bottom of the page below the contact forum.*
Utilizing Fruits and Nuts:
As the trees and shrubs planted through the FEW Project mature, they will bear a bounty of fruits and nuts. We envision these natural treasures not only as a direct source of nutrition for communities but also as a means to sustain and further our mission. Ideally these will produce enough for us to enjoy ourselves, to share with others in need, to share with our fellow earth creatures (birds, squirrels, etc.) and still have some left over.
Community Collaboration:
We welcome individuals interested in transforming these raw materials into value-added products. Whether it's crafting delicious pies, flavorful jams, or creative products, we see an opportunity for collaboration. While the specifics of this endeavor are still evolving, we anticipate working closely with passionate individuals to turn the fruits of our labor into market-ready items.
Fundraising for Impact:
The potential sale of these products will serve a dual purpose. Not only does it contribute to the financial sustainability of We Become More, but it also provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents. Over the next 3-6 years, we look forward to developing a legal and legitimate framework that aligns with our overall mission.
We Become More's FEW Project, short for Flowering Edible Woods, is a visionary initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity in the greater KCMO and surrounding areas. By partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation, we procure native fruit, nut, and (edible) flowering tree and shrub seedlings, which are strategically planted in yards and designated areas with the consent of homeowners and city officials.
The Vision:
Our vision goes beyond immediate solutions; we're sowing the seeds of sustainability. Recognizing the challenges of food distribution inefficiencies, we've taken a proactive approach by working to get seedlings into the right peoples hands; we help people who have a desire to freely help others also. Planting trees and shrubs ensures that we will have nutritious fruits and nuts for years to come. The adage, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” — Greek Proverb, encapsulates the essence of our mission.
Why Seedlings:
While it takes 3-6 years for these seedlings to reach maturity, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial wait. By starting with seedlings, we significantly lower costs, allowing us to extend our efforts and positively impact a greater number of lives.
Why Natives:
Planting native trees and shrubs requires less care for these seedlings to reach maturity. These seedlings are accustomed to our environment, our soil, water, etc. which limits the needed human inputs which saves resources - time, water, and so on. By planting natives, we also mitigate the concern of fostering potentially invasive species.
Community Engagement:
We invite anyone who is willing to agree to the terms of this program to participate so that we can spread our mission as far as possible. We freely give out these seedlings and in return, we ask for a commitment to: 1) Pick up the seedlings when they become available, 2) Plant the seedling in the ground and nurture and care for them until they reach maturity, and 3) Freely share the future yield from these seedlings with anyone and everyone who is in need. This not only ensures their successful development but also fosters a sense of communal responsibility.
How You Can Help:
Support the FEW Project by becoming a sponsor for tree plantings. Your sponsorship contributes to the procurement of seedlings, lowering costs, and enabling us to reach more individuals in need. Additionally, homeowners interested in planting these seedlings in their yards can join our email list to be notified when these seedlings arrive and become catalysts for positive change in their communities. The next round of trees/shrubs will arrive sometime in March or April, 2025. We will begin planting and distribution immediately.
Impact:
The FEW Project isn't just about planting trees; it's about planting hope, resilience, and a sustainable future. Join us in creating a community where everyone has access to nutritious, locally sourced food grown in their community, not just today, but for generations to come.
*The 2024 IMPACT UPDATE can be found at the bottom of the page below the contact forum.*
Utilizing Fruits and Nuts:
As the trees and shrubs planted through the FEW Project mature, they will bear a bounty of fruits and nuts. We envision these natural treasures not only as a direct source of nutrition for communities but also as a means to sustain and further our mission. Ideally these will produce enough for us to enjoy ourselves, to share with others in need, to share with our fellow earth creatures (birds, squirrels, etc.) and still have some left over.
Community Collaboration:
We welcome individuals interested in transforming these raw materials into value-added products. Whether it's crafting delicious pies, flavorful jams, or creative products, we see an opportunity for collaboration. While the specifics of this endeavor are still evolving, we anticipate working closely with passionate individuals to turn the fruits of our labor into market-ready items.
Fundraising for Impact:
The potential sale of these products will serve a dual purpose. Not only does it contribute to the financial sustainability of We Become More, but it also provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents. Over the next 3-6 years, we look forward to developing a legal and legitimate framework that aligns with our overall mission.
Click here to view a comprehensive planting guide!
2025 tree/shrubs for distribution
2025
We spent $439 and purchased 525 trees/shrubs for 2025.
Available in 2025: Black Cherry, Black Chokeberry, Elderberry, Hackberry, Pecan, Persimmon, Redbud, Red Mulberry, Rose Mallow, Serviceberry, and Wild Plum.
The 2025 giveaway begins the week of March 3, 2025.
IMPACT
2024 -We gave away over 200 trees/shrubs to 58 people in over 36 zip codes.
We Spent $202 and raised $108 in donations for seedings in 2025.
Tree And Shrub Seedlings
Below is the list of edible Trees and Shrubs available through MDC depending on their availability.
Fruit / Flower / Nut - Trees
Black Cherry
|
Black Walnut
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Flowering Dogwood
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Pawpaw
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Pecan
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Persimmon
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Red Mulberry
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Redbud
|
Wild Plum
|
Fruit / Flower / Nut - Shrubs
American Beautyberry
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Aromatic Sumac
|
Black Chokeberry
|
Blackberry
|
Blackhaw
|
Elderberry
|
False Indigo
|
Hazelnut
|
Nannyberry
|
Rosemallow
|
Serviceberry
|
|
|
CONTACT WBM for the FEW Project:
Thank you for your interest in the Flowering Edible Woods (FEW) Project by We Become More! Please use this form to get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you! Sponsorship and Support: - I am interested in sponsoring the procurement of seedlings. - Tell me more about how my support can make a positive impact. Email Registration: - I'd like to sign up for the email list to be informed about the tree and shrub seedlings in 2025. General Inquiry: - I have a general question about the FEW Project. - I would like more information about We Become More and its initiatives. Collaboration and Partnerships: - I'm interested in collaborating on value-added product initiatives. - Are there opportunities for businesses or organizations to partner with We Become More? Additional Comments or Questions |
2024 impact update
I'm thrilled to share that due to the overwhelming response, we were able to distribute over 200 seedlings to over 58 people around the state in over 30 zip codes! WOW!
We had seedlings donated by participants, and even ended up digging up seedlings that had been planted this year and last year trying to fill empty hands, and were still not able to come close to supplying the need for these.
Everyone who participated in this project was wonderful, and really stepped up to the plate when it came to helping others. Information was shared, connections were made, and lives improved. Every person who came pledged to share the fruits provided by these seedlings with anyone who needed them for free!
Additionally, when we were giving away the last 2 seedlings, another person showed up looking for seedlings, and the person who had just received the last 2, shared 1 of the seedlings with the person who had just shown up painting a beautiful picture of the mission we are trying to achieve with this. - to love your neighbor. <3
With the in-kind donations made by participants, we were able to collect a little over half of the money we spent on seedlings this year!
In some ways it is fortunate, in other ways it is very unfortunate, but either way, our supply of seedlings has been depleted and there are no more available for distribution this year.
We had seedlings donated by participants, and even ended up digging up seedlings that had been planted this year and last year trying to fill empty hands, and were still not able to come close to supplying the need for these.
Everyone who participated in this project was wonderful, and really stepped up to the plate when it came to helping others. Information was shared, connections were made, and lives improved. Every person who came pledged to share the fruits provided by these seedlings with anyone who needed them for free!
Additionally, when we were giving away the last 2 seedlings, another person showed up looking for seedlings, and the person who had just received the last 2, shared 1 of the seedlings with the person who had just shown up painting a beautiful picture of the mission we are trying to achieve with this. - to love your neighbor. <3
With the in-kind donations made by participants, we were able to collect a little over half of the money we spent on seedlings this year!
In some ways it is fortunate, in other ways it is very unfortunate, but either way, our supply of seedlings has been depleted and there are no more available for distribution this year.
