Katie Stagliano: The Girl Who Grew a Giant Cabbage—and Inspired a National Youth Movement to Fight Hunger
At just nine years old, Katie Stagliano’s 40-pound cabbage—a result of a third-grade project—fed 275 people at a local soup kitchen in Summerville, South Carolina. That moment sparked a profound realization: if one cabbage could do so much, what could a whole garden achieve? That seedling became the foundation for Katie’s Krops, a nationwide nonprofit empowering youth to grow gardens that feed communities in need.
From Seedling to Movement
- Started in 2008 as a backyard project, Katie’s Krops was officially founded in 2009. By age 15, Katie had expanded to 100 youth-led gardens across 30 states.
- Youth gardeners aged 7 to 16 apply to join the program by proposing where they’ll garden, what they’ll grow, and where the produce will be donated. Approved growers receive starter kits—including seeds, tools, and resources.
Community Gardens & Meal Distributions
- The flagship garden spans 17,000 square feet and includes raised beds and fruit trees growing crops like collards, snow peas, Swiss chard, and apples.
- Starting as sit-down community meals, Katie’s Krops served 200 dinners a month pre-pandemic; during COVID, the service expanded to 600 meals per week via drive-through pickup.
- As of 2023, the program had distributed over 600,000 lbs of produce, served more than 105,000 fresh meals, and engaged over 15,000 volunteers nationwide.
Recognition & Awards
- Awarded the Grand Prize of the General Mills Feeding Better Futures Scholar Program in 2018, receiving $50,000 to expand her nonprofit and presenting at the Aspen Ideas Festival.
- Named “Southerner of the Year 2023” by Southern Living, recognized as a trailblazer in regional community support and sustainable agriculture.
- Honored by UC Global Food Initiative’s 30 Under 30 and recognized as one of the youngest recipients of the Clinton Global Citizen Award.
Background, Education & Leadership
- Katie graduated from the College of Charleston in 2020 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility. She now works full-time at Katie’s Krops alongside her mother, Stacy Stagliano, who serves as president. Her younger brother also runs his own nonprofit supporting families transitioning out of homelessness.
- Today, Katie holds the title Chief Executive Gardener, overseeing program growth, youth engagement, outdoor classes, and weekly meal distributions.
Vision & Philosophy
Katie believes youth service is powerful: “Youth gardens are more than produce—they cultivate leadership, community, and hope.” She frames frustration with hunger as opportunity, empowering young growers to be agents of change.
Her nonprofit emphasizes education—kids learn about agriculture, nutrition, budgeting, and community while growing food and friendships in an outdoor classroom setting.
Impact Snapshot
| Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|
| Gardens Nationwide | 100+ youth-led gardens across 30 states |
| Produce Donated | 600,000+ lbs fed to people in need |
| Meals Served | 105,000+ hot meals via distributions |
| Volunteer Engagement | 15,000+ volunteers of all ages |
| Recognition Awards | General Mills Scholar, Clinton Award, UC 30 Under 30, Southern Living Southerner |
Legacy & What’s Next
From a backyard cabbage to a national nonprofit, Katie Stagliano demonstrates that a single action—no matter how small—can grow into something transformative. Her vision remains clear: empowering kids to grow gardens, serve others, and lead with compassion.
Katie continues to expand Katie’s Krops through school gardens, grants, National Geographic-supported growth, and future plans to reach every U.S. state. The movement stands as proof: youth-led action can tackle hunger one garden at a time.
