On August 7, Vance-Granville Community College leadership joined Franklin County officials and community members as the VGCC Small Business Center presented Sowing Seeds NC, Inc., with its 2024 Small Business of the Year award.
Sowing Seeds is a nonprofit food ministry of McPhetridge Family Farms, a sustainable small farm located outside Franklinton. Joni and Todd McPhetridge had a passion for combatting food insecurity long before moving to the Franklinton area in 2018. In 2021, a local food pantry began sharing their leftover items with the McPhetridges, thinking their farm’s animals could consume items past their prime—but when the McPhetridges realized some of the food was still good, they decided to share with friends and family. The pantry began supplying more items to support this new initiative, to the point the family had to start announcing the extras on social media to make sure they did not go to waste.
By early 2023, the McPhetridges realized their ministry was growing consistently enough to warrant its own air-conditioned building, somewhere to keep food preserved in the summer. They officially launched Sowing Seeds NC, Inc., at that point and have grown tremendously since. According to their website, the organization has already served over 13,400 individuals this year, and they anticipate serving 31,800 by the end of 2024. A small team of volunteers regularly helps unload and organize food, as well as man the pantry during its open hours.
Carolyn Perry, Director of the Vance-Granville Small Business Center, has added her own perspective on what makes Sowing Seeds an exceptional organization:
- Sowing Seeds serves with open hearts. Because they serve others genuinely and selflessly, positive outcomes have followed. Whether it’s volunteering, helping their neighbors in the surrounding communities, or contributing to a cause, their open-hearted approach has led to meaningful connections and positive change throughout Franklin County.
- Sowing Seeds shows up and gives its best. When good things started happening, it was essential that Sowing Seeds be present and actively participate—showing up consistently, whether it’s at work, in relationships, or in community activities. Giving their best efforts supports their ever-growing network of partners.
- Sowing Seeds reflects adaptability and openness. Life is full of changes and challenges. Being adaptable and open-minded allows Sowing Seeds to navigate these transitions effectively—embracing new opportunities, learning from their setbacks, and remaining flexible in their approach.
- Sowing Seeds treats people well. Building a strong network involves treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy. Positive interactions create lasting connections, both personally and professionally. When people are treated well, they won’t forget that feeling.
In spring 2024, Sowing Seeds NC participated in the Entrepreneurial Business Grant Program, a collaborative effort between VGCC’s Small Business Center and the Northeast Franklin Revitalization Group. Joni McPhetridge completed the course with a robust arsenal of tools to foster the success of Sowing Seeds NC, an expanded network of professional relationships, and a grant to improve the Sowing Seeds NC facilities.
About the VGCC Small Business Center
The Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College provides high quality, readily accessible assistance to new and existing small businesses in the College’s four-county service area. To learn more about workshops and resources the SBC offers at no charge, contact Director Perry at (252) 738-3240 or [email protected].