Grow More, Give More
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.
County Leaderboard
As of August 24, fresh produce donations have been reported in 45 counties! Thirty-one counties have met the challenge goal of 250 pounds donated. Below is the current county leaderboard.
- 1st Place Hale County: 15, 191lb
- 2nd Place Butler County: 14,175 lb
- 3rd Place Marshall County: 8,909 lb
- 4th Place Coosa County: 6,559 lb
- 5th Place Mobile County: 6,463 lb
- Madison County: 6,006 lb
- Tuscaloosa County: 5,885 lb
- Limestone County: 2,901 lb
- St. Clair County: 2,831 lb
- Jackson County: 2,625 lb
- Jefferson County: 1,660 lb
- Lee County: 1,501 lb
- Franklin County: 1,075 lb
- Autauga County: 1057 lb
- Barbour County: 889 lb
- Houston County: 802 lb
- Fayette County: 765 lb
- Lawrence County: 751 lb
- Baldwin County: 654 lb
- Chambers County: 644 lb
- Cullman County: 608 lb
- Chilton County: 554 lb
- Cherokee County: 550 lb
- Blount County: 508 lb
- Monroe County: 388 lb
- Lamar County: 360 lb
- Colbert County: 348 lb
- Walker County: 322 lb
- Clay County: 306 lb
- Etowah County: 306 lb
- Coffee County: 305 lb
- Sumter County: 295 lb
- Russell County: 242 lb
- DeKalb County: 230 lb
- Cleburne County: 205 lb
- Shelby County: 97 lb
- Marion County: 82 lb
- Dallas County: 80 lb
- Covington County: 76 lb
- Lowndes County: 75 lb
- Morgan County: 72 lb
- Talladega County: 69 lb
- Perry County: 60 lb
- Conecuh County: 53 lb
- Bibb County: 50 lb
- Dale County: 50 lb
- Marengo: 50 lb
- Elmore: 28 lb
- Pike: 25 lb
- Pickens: 20 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.
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.