As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is honoring this historic milestone by inviting gardeners across the state to make a difference through the Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge. Rooted in the same spirit of service, innovation, and community that has shaped the nation for the last two and a half centuries, this challenge aims to help the approximately 2 million Alabama residents who face food insecurity.

Extension’s Goal: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, at least 250 pounds of fresh produce will be donated and recorded in all 67 Alabama counties. See which county is in the lead.

Your Challenge: Help Extension reach its goal by growing extra fruits and vegetables to donate to people in your community.

How to Participate

This challenge is open to everyone, from gardening pros to those still establishing their green thumb. The challenge runs May 25 (Memorial Day) through September 7 (Labor Day).

1. Plant and Grow with Purpose

As you plan this year’s growing efforts, dig an extra row or have a few extra pots to grow produce specifically to donate and record through Grow More, Give More.

2. Harvest and Donate

As the crops come in, weigh the produce that you plan to donate and keep record of the poundage. Then, donate your fresh produce somewhere in your community. You can donate to a local food bank, place of worship, community kitchen, food pantry, or even a family member or neighbor in need. If you need help finding a local place to make a donation, visit the interactive donation site map at aces.edu/go/growmore.

3. Record Your Donation

Each time you donate during the challenge period (May 25 through September 7), record the pounds of produce that you gave. Visit aces.edu/go/givemore or click the button below to record donations.

Record Donation

County Leaderboard

As of August 10, fresh produce donations have been reported in 44 counties! Twenty-six counties have met the challenge goal of 250 pounds donated. Below is the current county leaderboard.

• 1st Place Marshall County: 7,494 lb
• 2nd Place Tuscaloosa County: 5,885 lb
• 3rd Place Madison County: 5,536 lb
• 4th Place St. Clair County: 2,831 lb
• 5th Place Jackson County: 2,625 lb
• Limestone County: 2,098 lb
• Mobile County: 1,474 lb
• Lee County: 1,361 lb
• Franklin County: 1,075 lb
• Jefferson County: 1,035 lb
• Butler County: 1,023 lb
• Fayette County: 745 lb
• Barbour County: 729 lb
• Houston County: 669 lb
• Cherokee County: 545 lb
• Chilton County: 497 lb
• Baldwin County: 484 lb
• Blount County: 372 lb
• Lawrence County: 365 lb
• Lauderdale County: 360 lb
• Autauga County: 349 lb
• Chambers County: 342 lb
• Walker County: 322 lb
• Coffee County: 305 lb
• Sumter County: 295 lb
• Etowah County: 286 lb
• DeKalb County: 230 lb
• Hale County: 230 lb
• Lamar County: 227 lb
• Colbert County: 223 lb
• Clay County: 209 lb
• Russell County: 186 lb
• Cleburne County: 172 lb
• Monroe County: 132 lb
• Shelby County: 97 lb
• Cullman County: 77 lb
• Lowndes County: 75 lb
• Morgan County: 72 lb
• Talladega County: 66 lb
• Conecuh County: 53 lb
• Marion County: 22 lb
• Elmore County: 20 lb
• Pickens County: 20 lb
• Covington County: 12 lb

Gardening Support from Extension

Need some ideas on what to grow? Some great options for this challenge include beans, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, Southern peas, and okra. While there are many other growing options, these crops are some of the hardiest and best-producing vegetables.

Need a little more gardening help? Alabama Extension has research-based guidance to help you Grow More so you can Give More. Including publications, supply lists, growing cards, and videos—Extension experts have compiled a great group of resources that can help boost your growing potential. Find these resources at aces.edu/go/growmore or by clicking the button below.

Growing Resources

Whatever and wherever you choose to donate, thank you for making a difference!

Celebrating 250 Years of Community

The Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge represents Alabama Extension’s longstanding commitment to serving others. By being a part of the challenge, residents across the state can strengthen their communities and ensure that more families have access to fresh, nutritious produce.

The challenge is an effort in support of America250 at Auburn University, a yearlong celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year, Auburn will engage the public through a series of events and activities that highlights the university’s commitment to open inquiry, rigorous scholarship, and thoughtful engagement. More information and listings of upcoming activities are available at auburn.edu/academic/provost/america250/.

More Information

For more information on this challenge, contact the Alabama Extension home horticulture agent in your area. You can find who that is and their contact information in the directory at aces.edu.