The Food For Everyone Foundation is the main distributor for Dr. Jacob R. Mettleider’s numerous books, online, but it is also a non-for-profit organization truly interested in helping people all over the world, including here in the United States of America achieve their very own healthy garden crops that permit food year round.

The Mittleider Method is based on Dr. Mittleider’s research and development in the area of self-sustainable gardening for impoverished and hungry nations around the world since 1964. The breakthrough in this method is not merely the simplicity of it, but the fact that Mittleider has discovered a methodology for growing in any soil at almost any altitude where food is a serious concern.

This is a very important method for those looking to get off the grid in tightly compacted urban areas, as well as those people with seriously challenges with technological development, such as impoverished and hungry third-world nations.

Basically, Dr. Mittleider discovered that soil anywhere in the world suffers from elementary challenges and advantages that can be dealt with common ways, and he travels the world in search of those villages and people in need, teaching them how to grow themselves in their own yards, no matter what conditions they find themselves facing.

Just this last month, Dr. Mittleider has traveled to his 31st country for teaching his methodology, Armenia. Initial projects are already underway and the hope of a people begins to find itself restored.

In arid and dry sand soils, where blowing winds never allow anything at all to grow, the use of raised beds in rows allows for suitable watering and easier weeding than with traditional flat cropping. By always giving the soil the proper treatment with the correct nutrients for plant survival, green house protection from the elements and enough irrigation, Mittleider has proven that even in the middle of the desert, people can have enough food to eat.

His many books are prepared for those looking to do-it-themselves on a low budget and even convince the children that it can be fun. Once you have learned the secrets to making any kind of vegetable garden you want in any climate you might find yourself in, teaching others to do the same is just as easy as taking care of crops using the Mittleider Method.

One thing is for certain, Mittleider has a serious point about world hunger; it’s unnecessary. People can be taught to cultivate a forgotten and dead soil with just a little bit of preparation and even less work throughout the year, all they really need is someone to show them how, the rest they can figure out by themselves. The fact is of course, Mittleider has done something that is rare for most anyone, he has actually gone and done something, rather than just given advice or sent a check from afar.

And that is the biggest point that Jim Kennard’s Food For Everyone Foundation has been trying to get across for so long. It isn’t enough that we merely teach, we must actually get our hands in the soil here at home and do it ourselves if we are ever going to be a completely sustainable nation. Best of all, the Mittleider Method offers the world a way to learn, do-it-yourself and teach to others. The Mittleider Method teaches one family at a time, healthy, organically sustainable gardening practices, one family at a time.

1. When and why was the Food For Everyone foundation started?

The Foundation was first conceived in the early 90′s when I spent time in Russia with Dr. Jacob Mittleider, where it is the most popular and productive method of gardening in the entire country, so far as we can determine. I really began to realize the tremendous scope of his work and the great good it was doing wherever people were lucky enough to learn it. In 1998 Dr. Mittleider charged me with the responsibility of carrying on and hopefully expanding the reach of his work, and I incorporated the Foundation that same year.

2. How long have you been using the Mittleider Method?

I was introduced to the Mittleider Method in 1976, when he moved from Loma Linda, California to Salt Lake City, Utah. Fortunately for me, the Mittleiders lived only 1 1/2 miles from us, and we were able to visit them, see their garden, and ask questions. I was sold in the first year when my garden was many times better than it had ever been before. Not long after that my youngest daughter, at age 8, ran the whole garden for the summer, and I knew anyone could have a great garden just by following the simple recipe.

3. What are the advantages to the Mittleider method versus traditional gardening?

The Mittleider Method provides a recipe for success in gardening in any soil and in almost any climate. It takes less space than traditional gardening, uses less water, requires less work for the results obtained, is beautiful to look at, out-produces other methods many times over, and the vegetables are healthier, more uniform, and grow faster.

4. Does FFEO offer their teaching to corporations or small groups? If so how do they contact you? Any other information?

The Foundation conducts gardening seminars for groups of all sizes.

Formal training is done by special arrangement, and is an intensive learning experience including 2+ hours in the classroom and 4-5 hours in the garden each day for 2 1/2-3 months.

The Foundation website lists levels of training that are available, and more information can be obtained by contacting the Foundation at jbkennard@foodforeveryone.org or calling 801-583-4449 after July 15, 2006.

5. How to you fund FFEO?

There are no salaried staff in the Foundation. The Foundation’s basic operational costs are mostly covered by the sale of Dr. Mittleider’s gardening books and CD’s, along with the Mittleider Magic fertilizers.

Funding for humanitarian training projects is by public donations of interested individuals, corporations, other foundations, and governments.

6. How does a person donate to the foundation?

Donations, which are used entirely for the benefit of others, with none spent for salaries or wages of Foundation staff, are gratefully accepted. All donations are tax deductible, as the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. Donations can be made bu credit card online, or by calling 888-548-4449, or by mailing checks to the Food For Everyone Foundation, 848 Woodruff Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.

7. Are their any plans to start an affiliate program for your products?

Yes, Mr. Steve Mistretta is working on an excellent affiliate program, and he will explain it here.

8. Are you considering offering your products to consumers via the large stores such as Wal-mart?

The Garden Master CD has been sold in many markets nationally in Wal-Mart stores, and as the market for the other Foundation products justifies it we will work on making them available as widely as possible.

9. What mission are you currently on?

We are currently conducting a teaching/training and demonstration project of the world renowned Mittleider Method in Armenia. The training center is near Gyumri, the country’s second largest city, and in addition to the training we are traveling to other regions of the country to assist approximately 200 families in several villages to learn and apply these highly productive family gardening principles and procedures.

10. How can the general public help ffeo?

We encourage all people who have space for a garden to learn these methods and grow at least some of their own food. Those who do will be the envy of their neighbors, and will soon have opportunities to help their neighbors improve their own gardens. We also welcome assistance and encouragement by donations to the Foundation’s programs.

11. What is your greatest challenge in running ffeo?

The greatest challenge is to reach the “critical mass” of people using and promoting the methods, which will then enable us to do much more good among the families of the world.

12. How can a person learn more about the Mittleider method?

We recommend everyone visit the website at www.foodforeveryone.org, where we have prepared a wealth of free practical gardening material, including the Mittleider Basic Gardening Course, a large database of answers to questions in the FAQ section, and an important free chapter from every one of Dr. Mittleider’s books in the Store section.

13. Anyone in particular you would like to give a “shout out” to for their help?

Every person and organization who is interested in helping people help themselves, especially in improving their health and becoming self-sufficient in sustainable food production, should consider using these proven methods, and in promoting training in their use by others.

14. How has press coverage been so far? What can the public do to help?

Media coverage can be improved. Our message is a positive one, with only stories of success, and of happier and healthier families, so most media time is focused on the opposite type of events. People who learn what we can accomplish can help by telling media sources about us, and requesting coverage. We will provide press releases on request.

15. Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

Getting closer to nature by gardening has many benefits. And using the Mittleider Method is the best way in the world to receive the maximum benefits, including enjoyment, success and better health.

Name: Cedershed Industries
Claim: Cedarshed Industries is a Canadian gazebo and shed manufacturer located in Langley, BC, Canada. They have distributors throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Sheds and Outdoor Furnishings
URL: http://www.cedarshed.com/
Address: Canada
Phome: 800·830·8033
Free Catalog: Yes

Name: Spirit Elements
Claim: Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Spirit Elements is one of the largest catalog and internet retailers of highend home and garden products in the United States. Each piece in their collection is selected using the highest standards for craftsmanship, quality and aesthetics.

Address: Spirit Elements, Inc.
6672 Gunpark Drive, #200
Boulder, CO 80301
URL: http://www.spiritelements.com/
Phone: 800.511.1440
Free Catalog: Yes

I will be adding new Garden Shed Catalogs as I find them but not before I review each. It seems that everyone is getting into the game and it is sometimes hard to find good honest product amongst a bunch of Martha Stewart clones!

This Page: Garden Shed Catalogs

Name: Arbico Organics
Claim: Arbico offers supplies for sustainable growing and has an extensive list of beneficial insects and organisms. Arbico is committed to bringing consumers the products and services.

Address: P.O. Box 8910
Tucson, AZ, 85738-0910
Phone: 800-827-2847
URL: http://store.arbico-organics.com/
Free Catalog: Yes

Name: Extremely Green – Organic Gardening Supplies
Claim: Extremely Green started as a local gardening company in the New Hampshire, USA. The help customers want to find alternatives to the traditional synthetic chemicals to feed plants, control pests, weeds, and diseases in the garden.
Address: P.O. Box 2021
Abington, MA 02351
Phone: 781-878-5397
URL: http://www.extremelygreen.com/
Free Catalog: Yes

Name: FarmTek Growers Supply
Claim: FarmTek was founded in 1979 with the purpose of bringing useful home and garden products at competitive prices with exceptional customer service directly to the agricultural, horticultural, building and retail trade communities.

Address: 1440 Field of Dreams Way
Dyersville, IA 52040
Phone: 800-327-6835
URL: http://www.farmtek.com/
Free Catalog: Yes

Name: Maine Garden Products
Claim: Maine Garden Products builds functional products. They are located in the small coastal town of Camden, Maine and sell worldwide to home gardeners and small specialty garden shops and nurseries. The have a great garden basket, check it out!
Address: 27 Washington St Suite #1
Camden, ME 04843
Phone: 877-290-0761
URL: http://www.mainegarden.com/
Free catalog: No (visit them online)

For those who get excited when they see a garden catalog in their mailbox the above list is a good start. Buy organic and support the small “Mom and Pops” if you can.

This page: Garden Catalogs

A free Garden Seed Catalog can renew an avid gardeners spirit with positive energy before the arrival of spring. Most garden seed catalogs are beautifully arranged with bright images of successful yields of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Here is my growing list of favorites.

Name: Abundant Life Seeds
Claim: Abundant Life Seeds has been protecting the genetic diversity of rare and endangered food crops since 1975. Their goal is to offer open pollinated varieties grown using only certified organic or biodynamic farming methods. Abundant Life has a new research farm is London Spring Farms, located in London, Oregon, USA.
Address: PO Box 157
Saginaw, OR 97427
Phone: 541-767-9606
URL: http://www.abundantlifeseeds.com/
Catalog: Yes

Name: Burpee
Claim: Quote: “The Burpee company was founded in Philadelphia in 1876 by an 18 year old with a passion for plants and animals and a mother willing to lend him $1000 dollars of “seed money” to get started in business. Within 25 years he had developed the largest, most progressive seed company in America”.
Address: 300 Park Avenue
Warminster, PA 18974
Phone: 215-674-4900
URL: http://www.burpee.com/
Catalog: Yes

Name: Harris Seeds
Claim: The Harris Seeds company began its catalog operation in 1879. It evolved from the efforts of Joseph Harris who was a English immigrant who became successful in the selection of superior strains of vegetables and grains which are no available via catalog.
Harris Seeds is an active member of the American Seed Trade Association, the National Garden Bureau and the Mail-order Gardening Association.
Address: PO Box 24966 – 355 Paul Rd.
Rochester, NY 14624-0966
Phone: 800-514-4441
URL: http://gardeners.harrisseeds.com/
Catalog: Yes

Name: Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Claim: Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a mail order seed producer and merchant located in Albion and Winslow, Maine, USA. The company was established in 1973 by Chairman Rob Johnston, Jr. Johnny’s prides itself on its product, research, technical information, and service for home gardeners and commercial growers.
Address: 955 Benton Ave.
Winslow, ME 04901
Phone: 1-877-Johnnys
URL: http://www.johnnyseeds.com/
Catalog: Yes

Name: Park Seed
Claim: For over 132 years, Park has maintained the highest standards of excellence in products and service. This, they believe, has been the source of Park’s growth in the past and will continue to be in the future. Park seed helps gardeners grow more beautiful flowers and tastier vegetables.
Address: PO Box 31 – Hwy. 254
Greenwood, SC 29648
Phone: 800-845-3369
URL: http://www.parkseed.com/
Catalog: Yes

Name: Thompson and Morgan
Claim: Quote: “The history of horticulture in the UK is bench marked with names that have become famous. Among the companies that have founded the country’s seed industry a few names still survive, although their independence has been surrendered. Yet, as one of the oldest firms in the business, Thompson & Morgan retains both its identity and its reputation for innovation and quality. It all began in a small garden behind a baker’s shop in Tavern Street, Ipswich, tended by William Thompson, the baker’s son”.
Address: PO Box 24966 – 355 Paul Rd.
Rochester, NY 14624-0966
Phone: 800-514-4441
URL: http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/
Catalog: Yes

This page: Garden Seed Catalogs

John Evans is a master gardener with 9 world records, 18 Alaska State records, and over 400 first place awards for quality vegetables. He energetically promotes cutting edge organic permaculture and continues to develop innovative products that support his vision of sustainability.