John Lawrence’s message from Dec. 10, 2018
If all Iowans are going to eat healthfully, they need access to healthy food. That’s why our Growing Together Iowa project combines the efforts of ISU Extension and Outreach’s Human Sciences and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs for a common goal – feeding people. For the third year in a row, SNAP-Ed nutrition education and Master Gardeners partnered with local food pantries to reduce food insecurity in Iowa. The ISU research farm gardens and the county Master Gardener mini grant projects grew fresh produce for donation. Did you know?
- Growing Together Iowa donated more than 90,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to Iowa’s food pantries this growing season. This equals 270,000 servings.
- 95,721 Iowans visited pantries where Growing Together Iowa produce was donated.
- 339 Master Gardener volunteers contributed to Growing Together Iowa this growing season.
- 1,477 people with low income engaged in food gardening education through Growing Together Iowa this year.
- 100 percent of counties with mini grants agree that the project increased their community’s capacity to work on issues of healthy food access.
This good work will continue. Virginia, Illinois and Michigan are in their first year of replicating the Growing Together project. Wisconsin, Nebraska and Indiana are in their second year. Here in Iowa we’re looking forward to Year 4, and applications for Growing Together Mini Grants are due on Jan. 11, 2019.
More notes
- Check the December program update from the leadership team.
- Results of the 2018 ISU Land Value Survey will be announced Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and ISU Extension and Outreach conduct the annual survey.
- The next “Creating Accessible Digital Documents” workshop is Dec. 20 on campus. Registration is open.
- The ISU Extension and Outreach Awards nomination deadline is noon, Jan. 4, 2019. Check the awards website for the list of awards, eligibility and criteria, and nomination forms.
- The Excellence in Extension grants submissions deadline is noon, Jan. 4, 2019. Individual grant information and application instructions are online.
- Make a fresh start for the new year with Office Cleanup Day, Jan. 10, 2019. It’s important to take time to create a safe and efficient office environment – from public spaces to individual desks and computer files. Watch for more information from Advancement and on MyExtension.
- Plan to attend our 2019 ISU Extension and Outreach Annual Conference, Thursday, Feb. 28. We also encourage you to attend the Iowa State Conference on Race and Ethnicity (ISCORE) March 1. Registration information for both conferences will be available in January.
— John D. Lawrence
Iowa State University Vice President for Extension and Outreach