(Ames)– Some donation gardens in the region that grow produce for local food pantries have been awarded funds through the “Growing Together Mini-Grants” program.
Officials at Iowa State University say there has been record-setting use of food pantries throughout Iowa, and that the grant funding will help local food pantries. The purpose of these grants is to provide fresh produce and nutrition education to pantries in 2023 through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s SNAP-Education program. Officials say a total of 30 projects are being funded with the goal of increasing food security and promoting healthy food access.
Local projects awarded funding include one in Dickinson county for the expansion of two donation gardens to include space for pantry clients to grow their own produce. The gardens benefit Upper Des Moines food pantry and several other food pantries. Lyon county was awarded funds to expand a donation garden that will also allow them to offer container gardening workshops, garden tours and helping hours. O’Brien county was awarded funds for similar projects at donation gardens in Sanborn and Sheldon.
