Who We Are

Seeds of Hope is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles which seeks to cultivate wellness in our communities. We provide garden-based nutrition education and practical cooking instruction to help our friends and neighbors live healthier. We also work with congregations, communities, and schools, to transform unused land into productive gardens and orchards to provide healthy and fresh food in areas of need across the county.

In our work, we look to create, promote, and sustain urban farms, food recovery, gardens, and garden-based programs throughout the Diocese of Los Angeles to nurture the physical as well as spiritual wellness of individuals and communities. We focus on a diocese-wide approach to food production, distribution, and preparation, in so doing, we are able to benefit the hungry and undernourished in our churches and within our broader communities.

Our Mission

Seeds of Hope's mission is to seek food justice - equal, affordable access to healthy, nutritious food - currently, this is not the reality in Los Angeles. In our communities:

4.5 million people are living in poverty.
3 million people, including ¼ of children, suffer from hunger or food insecurity.
More than half of the people, including ⅕ of all children, are overweight or obese.
Obesity causes or exacerbates numerous health conditions, which can lead to increased healthcare costs, decreased income, and shortening life spans for those affected.

Despite these difficult circumstances, we work to replace a scarcity mindset with one of abundance. That starts with us. We use all we have to do all we can to address the inequity in food access and disparities in health outcomes that we see in our community.

Meet Our Team

TIM ALDERSON

Founder

Tim Alderson is the Founder of Seeds of Hope, the food justice ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, which grows and distributes food in over 100 communities of need across six Southern California counties. His lifetime in agriculture has included nearly 20 years as CEO of AgriGator, Inc., a multi-national soil amendment manufacturer, as well as numerous industry boards including the board of directors of the National Agri-Marketing Association. He was the founding chairman of the California School Garden Network and was appointed by two California governors to the board of the Schools Agriculture and Nutrition Program where he currently serves as President. He was also appointed to the California Department of Education School Garden Advisory Committee. Tim lives in Pasadena, California where he has served as Chairman of the city’s Recreation and Parks Commission and the Mayor’s Workforce Housing Task Force.

STEVEN TRAPASSO

Executive Director

Steven Trapasso was born and raised in New Jersey. After college in New York, he joined AmeriCorps in California and found his calling to help others. He graduated with a Master of Public Health in Nutrition from Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans. Steve has extensive experience growing food through his work on farms while in the WWOOF program and EnrichLA. He considers himself very lucky to be working for Seeds of Hope and continuing its mission to “Cultivate Wellness” through nutrition education, cooking and gardening. His favorite savory food is bread. His favorite sweet food is dark chocolate.

ARACELI NIEVES

Administrative Manager

Araceli Nieves was born and raised in San Fernando, CA. In addition to serving with Seeds' as Administrative manager, she is on a journey to further her education, studying at CSUN to receiver her BA in Accounting. As a first-time mother, Araceli finds immense joy in parenthood. She is passionate about outdoor sports and staying active, and loves experimenting with new recipes while enjoying quality time with her family.

JEREMIAH WASHINGTON

Project Coordinator

Jeremiah is a determined individual that won’t give up no matter how hard the struggle. A mentor and preacher to the new generation. Also, hardworking and focused on getting the job done. Jeremiah gives 100% in anything he does. He’s humorous when he feels comfortable. Jeremiah’s favorite fruit is mango. Moreover, he loves Anime.

ANDREW MENDEZ

Distribution Coordinator

Andrew was born in L.A. and raised in the Pico-Union District. As the distribution coordinator at Seeds of Hope, he organizes and oversees the efficient distribution and delivery of produce to communities in need, ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most. It's a rewarding role that bridges the gap between surplus food and those facing food insecurity, making a tangible difference in people's lives every day. Andrew's passion is his family and kids! He also enjoys watching sports, is a sneaker aficionado and loves modified cars, trucks, and good BBQ!

PAYTON HOEGH

Communications Manager

Payton manages communications for Seeds of Hope and a number of like minded non-profits. He is active with Creation Justice and Climate advocacy ministries and programming for the Episcopal Church and, alongside his communications roles, serves as Program Director for The Center for Spirituality in Nature.

DANAE CHRISTERSON

Jubilee Year Fellow

Danae is from Los Angeles and is working with Seeds of Hope as part of the Jubilee Year year of service program! She graduated from UCLA where she majored in Global Studies. Danae is committed to making a difference in the world and is passionate about serving the unhoused and LGBTQ+ communities. In her free time, she loves to go to the beach, cuddle her cats, read, rock climb, listen to Phoebe Bridgers, and go camping.