By Katie Sorrell and Alicia Herzog–Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

AMES, Iowa – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased need, a record number of communities across Iowa are slated to receive Growing Together Mini-Grants through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s SNAP-Education program.

A total of 36 projects are being funded, with the goal of increasing food security and promoting healthy food access.

Growing Together mini grants have been funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s SNAP-Education since 2016. Iowa was the first state to create this model, which has been replicated in Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Wyoming, and Montana. Over the past six years, the mini-grants have resulted in food donations of over 532,000 pounds.

Master Gardener volunteers plant donation gardens with partners, support their community with plant-a-row programs to get more produce into food pantries, and glean fresh produce from farmers markets and home gardeners.  All produce is donated to local food pantries, food banks, and other food distribution sites. 

“We are excited to expand the project to new counties while supporting established community donation gardens throughout Iowa,” said Katie Sorrell, extension education specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This project provides fresh fruits and vegetables, often harvested that day, to food pantry clients throughout rural and urban Iowa counties.”

The projects took on renewed importance in 2021, with increased food insecurity and economic challenges across Iowa.

“Master Gardeners take great pride in their Growing Together projects,” said Alicia Herzog, Master Gardener program coordinator with ISU Extension and Outreach. “It’s encouraging to see growth, both in the garden and in the number of counties participating, because we know how impactful these contributions will be to local communities in need.”

This year, the Growing Together Iowa team received a record number of applications, including five new counties that have never received the mini-grant before.

For more information, Katie Sorrell can be reached at [email protected]

County projects

Muscatine – Create a new youth donation garden at the ISU Extension and Outreach Muscatine County Office and maintain two community donation gardens to benefit the Jesus Mission Food Pantry and Muscatine Community Food Pantry. United Way of Muscatine will partner with the gardens to offer volunteer opportunities.