Charitable Trust Staff recently met up with Sarah Boynton, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Melwood, to learn more about their Seed to Table Program among other great happenings at their Recreation Center campus in Nanjemoy. Melwood was first established in 1963 and acquired their current 108-acre location in Charles County in the 1970’s. In 1998, Melwood began Camp Accomplish, a summer camp program for children with disabilities that still operates every summer, now for campers both with and without disabilities. Camp Accomplish served nearly 700 campers in 2025, providing an experience of community, inclusion, and accessibility for all.
What started out as a 1-week theme during Camp Accomplish has since flourished into its own September through May program called Seed to Table. Seed to Table, which is funded through grants from the Charitable Trust, educates local children and their families about both gardening, agriculture, and culinary skills. The once monthly program teaches families how to grow their own food and then turn it into nutritious, low-cost meals and snacks. The program is taught by master gardeners as well as a chef who show participants and their families how to create simple meals and snacks with their fresh garden items. Sarah points out the added educational element of the program that teaches children where their food comes from, encouraging a better understanding of food sources, biology, and nutrition. Melwood observes this encourages long-term participation in this program and more success in families creating and maintaining their own gardens at home.
The outcomes of this program are numerous. Seed to Table not only teaches real life skills, but encourages families to garden, prepare meals, and eat together. The program also promotes financial savings on produce and fresh herbs, while bringing a focus on whole foods and nutrition. Sarah tells the Trust that what started out as a program for individual children and one parent/adult who accompanied them has now grown into a larger family affair with many participants bringing multiple parents, siblings, and even extended family members -aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others who reside in their homes or neighborhoods. She tells us, “Seed to Table is a program for ages 3 to 99” and that everyone who attends reaps the education and benefits. Melwood staff encourage family groups to come together to learn and make their own gardens at home. Program participants are not only taught the skills needed to grow and prepare their own food, but are provided all the tools necessary to duplicate the experience at home. Families are supplied with over 25 “grow bags” that include a variety of plants, seeds, soil, and even gardening tools to make a thriving family garden anywhere.
In addition to Camp Accomplish and the Seed to Table program, Melwood partners with community organizations like The Jude House and veterans programs to run programs and retreats for their clientele. Melwood’s Recreation Center is also used by corporations such as the WILLS Group and Verizon for employee events and has volunteers from these businesses that contribute to the upkeep of the property. Melwood wants the community to know they are here as a resource and would love to build more partnerships and be available for more groups, events, or volunteer hours by anyone interested!
