Vegetable gardening can be rewarding to more people than just gardeners and their families. Gardeners often harvest more than their families can use and Extension’s Grow More, Give More provides a way to share that bounty.
Grow More, Give More encourages gardeners to grow extra and give back to their communities. The project expands community-based gardening as a way to increase donations of healthy vegetables across Alabama.
How It Works
Every single donation of produce is valuable, whether it’s across the street or across the state. Whatever you choose, thank you for being a part of this “Grow More, Give More” effort.
How to Donate Extra Fruits and Vegetables
- Consider dropping off extra vegetables to neighbors shut in by age or illness, or affected by job loss and would appreciate fresh produce.
- Schools, community centers, and places of worship are addressing food insecurity in ways you may not realize. Reach out and see if there is a need you can help fill.
- Statewide charities such as Society of St. Andrew, a crop gleaning charity, and regional food banks across Alabama will coordinate donations, particularly in larger quantities.
The power of grass roots efforts like Grow More, Give More is often underestimated. Alabama Extension wants to capture the strength and generosity of Alabama gardeners participating in Grow More, Give More.
Participants can document the number of pounds they donate by completing a very brief online survey. Submit photos of donations to the Alabama Smart Yards Facebook page and also use the hashtag #GrowMoreGiveMore.
Report Donations Donation Sites
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March’s Grow More, Give More Vegetable of the Month is carrot! Find growing instructions as well as yummy recipes that use carrots below.
Garden Series Card
Recipes
- Live Well Alabama’s Not Your Grandma’s Carrot Salad
- Live Well Alabama’s Ginger Chicken Soup with Vegetables
Find other Grow More, Give More Vegetables of the Month at www.aces.edu/go/growmore.
Grow More, Give More helps combat food insecurity. We provide both experienced and novice home gardeners with the information and resources needed for successful gardens of every size. Grow a little extra and share healthy food with your neighbors and community.
Participating in Grow More, Give More? We want to make sure that you are counted! Register your home or community garden in the survey below to become part of the statewide project. Donation totals will be posted annually on aces.edu/go/GrowMore. Gardening webinars and other educational materials are continually added to the website so your knowledge can grow along with your garden.
Food insecurity is an urgent problem in Alabama. In fact, approximately 1 in 4 children face food insecurity, and it affects about 2 million Alabama residents overall. The term food insecurity is associated with people that have a lack of regular access to the nutritious food needed for an active and healthy life. Through the Grow More, Give More program, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System looks to make a positive impact in the lives of these people.
Grow More, Give More enables home gardeners to help combat food insecurity. Both experienced and novice gardeners will find the information and resources needed to have successful gardens of every size. The project also encourages gardeners to grow an extra row and share healthy food with their neighbors and larger communities.
In 2021, 32,580 pounds of donated produce | Donations reached 5,196 Alabama families | Total donation value = $60, 274
How It Works
To help you Grow More, check out Alabama Extension’s abundant resources to boost your growing potential, whether growing in containers, raised beds, or a traditional in-ground garden. As for Give More, some gardeners may want to share with neighbors, while others might deliver their harvests to a food pantry or a regional food bank.
Need More Information or Have Questions?
Have questions about getting started with Grow More, Give More? Reach out by email to GMGMhelpline@aces.edu. Alabama Extension home grounds agents can answer questions as well. Find the home grounds agent serving your county here.
Got specific questions about growing a particular vegetable or dealing with an insect pest? Call the Alabama Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-ALA-GROW.