Meet two Master Gardeners using their knowledge to support hunger relief in Ft Collins, Colorado
Mary B and Cyndi H share more than their passion for gardening with their community - they also share their garden bounties for hunger relief.
"When I donated to the local food pantry, I realized that the people who need fresh produce are my own neighbors."
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. How long have you been gardening?
Mary: Since I was a young child helping with my parents and a neighbor’s gardens.
Cyndi: I began gardening as a young child, tagging along with my grandfather in his large garden. Under his guidance, I learned to weed and harvest, and his masterful hoeing skills have stayed with me ever since.
2. How did you get involved with the Master Gardeners program?
Mary: I joined the MG program in 2023 after retiring and wanting to learn more about gardening in Colorado. I love being part of a wonderful community of gardeners.
Cyndi: I wanted to join an organization that made a positive impact in the community. I often saw Master Gardeners active in the spaces I enjoyed, especially in community gardens. I joined in 2020.
3. How did you get started donating your produce for hunger relief?
Mary: I got started through the MG Grow & Give program.
Cyndi: In 2020, the Colorado Master Gardeners started the Grow and Give project. I thought it was a great project to be a part of.
4. Why do you donate homegrown produce?
Mary: There’s a real need for produce to enable everyone to eat a healthy diet.
Cyndi: When I donated to the local food pantry, I realized that the people who need fresh produce are my own neighbors.
5. What’s the most common question you get asked by gardeners in your area?
Mary and Cyndi: Is it hard to grow vegetables? How do I get started? What is wrong with my tomatoes?
Gardener Resources page for more on growing for donation here