The Growing Together Iowa Mini-Grant Program, www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/growing-together-iowa, has provided funding for the Master Gardener donation garden projects since 2016. The funding helps volunteers buy materials such as seeds, fencing, and harvest supplies to support food pantry donation gardens.

Growing Together Iowa aims to accomplish the following:

• Increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables
• Promote healthy food choices
• Provide nutrition and gardening education

In 2023, 33 Iowa counties participated in the project, growing an impressive 103,670 pounds of fruits and vegetables. These nutritious crops were donated to 100 food pantries and distribution sites, benefiting 82,000 Iowans.

This project is funded by the USDA SNAP-Ed program and Amerigroup. It’s an example of how community gardens can address food insecurity while creating a sense of togetherness and well-being. For more information, visit the Growing Together Iowa website, www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/growing-together-iowa, and explore the map, iastate.app.box.com/s/6rfxw4iip42885bckjc7hmk1096b2o6k, of participating counties.