“The Seed” Opens Doors to Food, Education, and Community in Rocky Mount

With grateful hearts and great excitement, Ripe for Revival officially cut the ribbon on The Seed, their new Community Culinary Outreach space at Rocky Mount Mills. More than just a kitchen, The Seed is designed to nourish families, educate neighbors, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting impact across the region.

“The Seed is the next chapter of Ripe for Revival,” said Anne Parker, Director of Marketing & Communications. “It allows our mission to grow beyond food access into education and workforce development.” While the organization’s flagship Mobile Market bridges the gap between farm surplus and food access, The Seed brings a new focus: hands-on culinary education, nutrition guidance, and career development.

The space will host local chefs, dietitians, and educators offering classes to different age groups and skill levels. Attendees won’t just learn to cook—they’ll explore nutrition, food safety, and how to create healthy meals from simple ingredients, while connecting to North Carolina agriculture and produce available through the Mobile Market.

Parker explained that Rocky Mount Mills was the ideal home for the project. “We see The Seed as both a community resource and a regional destination,” she said. “It reflects the energy, creativity, and possibility of Rocky Mount, and we’re thrilled to be part of the city’s continued growth.”

In its first year, The Seed will directly impact families and individuals while serving as a workforce development hub. Partnerships with culinary programs, community colleges, and local organizations like Ripple Effects will give aspiring chefs real-world experience while providing education and access to nutritious food for the community.

“The Seed creates meaningful ways for local businesses, partners, and individuals to invest directly in their community,” Parker said. “By attending a ticketed class, participants are paying it forward—helping ensure others have access to education, resources, and support.”

The space is open to the community, offering tours, classes, and events that aim to empower individuals with knowledge, confidence, and access—creating an impact that extends far beyond a single meal.

For more information about The Seed and upcoming programs, visit Ripe for Revival.