Learn how we are collaborating with the Extension Master Gardener program in Larimer County, Colorado
Alison O’Connor, Extension Specialist for Colorado State University Extension in Larimer County shares how Fresh Food Connect supports the goals of the Master Gardener Program
"Everyone says that there’s a real need for more veggies."
Fresh Food Connect is the donation tracking partner for Colorado State University Extension's Grow & Give Program. Gardeners are encouraged to log their donations of produce for hunger relief through the free Fresh Food Connect mobile app, or the web-based giving form.
1. Tell us a little about your program and how it works.
Grow & Give is a project run by the Larimer County Master Gardeners that began in 2020 as part of the Colorado statewide Grow & Give initiative, inspired by the Victory Gardens of the 1940s. The program encourages local gardeners to grow a little extra and donate their fresh produce to area food pantries and food banks.
2. How does the tracking data from Fresh Food Connect help your program?
The tracking data provides gardeners and community leaders with numbers to show the collective impact on the community of individual donations.
3. How does your program encourage donation of homegrown produce?
As part of the program, Colorado Master Gardeners volunteer to serve as donation sites at their homes. Local gardeners with just a few items can drop off their produce at these sites, and the Master Gardeners then deliver the collected produce to a local food pantry.
Running from July through September, we send out a weekly email to participating gardeners that includes seasonal growing tips, a list of suggested drop-off sites, and short interviews spotlighting both gardeners and the organizations receiving donations— sharing the stories that connect fresh food from local gardens to neighbors in need.
4. Where does donated produce go in your community?
A wide range of organizations as well as the gardeners’ neighbors receive the produce. The organizations include school-based groups, food banks, and produce distribution centers focused on low-income Larimer County residents.
5. What is one thing you would like home gardeners to know about donating homegrown produce?
The positive reaction and smiles when community organizations and neighbors receive produce. Everyone says that there’s a real need for more veggies.
6. Anything else you’d like to share with our community?
Grow & Give fits into the Master Gardener (MG) ecosystem. It draws on MG expertise in growing veggies through the newsletters and responding to gardeners’ specific questions. It serves MG’s by providing an opportunity to share food grown through other activities, such as the Winter Squash Trials, with the broader community.
More info:
🍅 Meet Master Gardeners Mary B and Cyndi H here
🌱 Find all of Fresh Food Connect's Resources for Gardeners here
🥕 Gardening in Colorado? Check out CSU Extension's Grow & Give program for more information on growing to share for hunger relief in Colorado.
Your garden can make a difference!
Donating your extra homegrown produce for hunger relief is a meaningful way to give back in your community. The free Fresh Food Connect mobile app connects you to a local hunger relief program, then manages and tracks your donations of homegrown produce throughout the season. 🍅Download the app to get started!🍅