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Since its launch in spring 2019, the Seed Library at the Rochester Public Library (RPL) in Minnesota has distributed thousands of free seed packets to community members—many of which grow vegetables and fruits known for their cancer-fighting properties. This innovative and accessible program aims to help people grow their own healthy foods while also learning about the benefits of a plant-forward diet in cancer prevention.
“We’re excited to assist people in learning to plant, grow healthy foods, and save seeds for future growing seasons,” said Sara Patalita, Head of Reference at RPL. “Our partnership with Mayo Clinic has helped us curate a collection of cancer-fighting seeds and provide helpful information to the public.”
The Seed Library offers free, open-pollinated seeds and educational resources about planting, harvesting, and seed saving. With support from the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, specific seed varieties known to be rich in nutrients and antioxidants are highlighted as part of an evidence-based cancer risk reduction initiative.
Each year, the library hosts a Seed Library Open House; this year alone over 900 people attended and over 8,500 seed packets were distributed. Mayo Clinic Community Outreach & Engagement in Research Services staff provided educational brochures to explain the nutritional and cancer-fighting benefits of specific foods. University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener's are also present to share research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, and offer expert gardening tips. After the first three days of this year's season, nearly 10,000 seed packets were checked out—with a limit of 15 packets per person.
The brochure — developed jointly by the library and Mayo Clinic — includes a “cancer risk-reducing foods” guide, and a corresponding seed packet logo to help participants easily identify relevant seeds. Here's a list of common cancer-fighting foods people can grow at home:
- Apples
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Beans
- Beets
- Bitter Melon
- Blueberries
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Cherries
- Chinese Broccoli
- Coffee
- Cranberries
- Cucumber
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Grapes
- Hot Peppers
- Kale
- Lemongrass
- Muskmelon
- Onions
- Oranges
- Parsley
- Pulses: Dry Beans (black, red, pinto),
- Peas, and Lentils
- Radishes
- Raspberries
- Soy(Edamame)
- Spinach
- Squash
- Strawberries
- Sweet Pepper
- Sweet Potatoes
- Green Tea
- Tomatoes (cherry, sauce, roma)
- Turmeric
- Walnuts
- Watermelon
- Whole Grains
While formal demographic data is not collected due to privacy regulations, anecdotal evidence and community interactions show strong participation from immigrant and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
The Seed Library also responds to cultural needs by incorporating requested crops– for example, the Southeast Asian community has requested bok choy to be added–thus supporting community-relevance.
To expand its reach, the program is exploring community-based distribution events beyond the library, and continues to encourage seed donations through its Seed Saving Program. Most seeds, however, are sourced from wholesale distributors and repackaged by volunteers during community "seed blitz" days—events Mayo Clinic staff have supported through both labor and sponsorship.
Community feedback is collected through a brief survey accessible via QR code on the educational brochure. Responses help track awareness, usefulness, and engagement, informing the ongoing evolution of this impactful initiative.
To learn more about The Seed Library and how you can get involved, visit www.rplmn.org/services/more-services/seed-library.
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