As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System honored 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 aimed 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.

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

Final County Leaderboard

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 250 Pound Challenge! Because of your efforts, 124,414 pounds of fresh produce was donated in 55 counties! Thirty-five counties met the goal of 250 pounds donated. Below is the final county leaderboard.

• 1st Place Butler County: 26,265 lb
• 2nd Place Jefferson County: 18,521 lb
• 3rd Place Hale County: 15,191 lb
• 4th Place Marshall County: 9,569 lb
• 5th Place Tuscaloosa County: 7,393 lb
• Mobile County: 6,856 lb
• Coosa County: 6,559 lb
• Madison County: 6,173 lb
• Limestone County: 3,198 lb
• St. Clair County: 2,831 lb
• Jackson County: 2,825 lb
• Lee County: 1,596 lb
• Lawrence County: 1,416 lb
• Franklin County: 1,075 lb
• Autauga County: 1,057 lb
• Barbour County: 909 lb
• Blount County: 856 lb
• Houston County: 808 lb
• Lauderdale County: 802 lb
• Fayette County: 765 lb
• Macon County: 750 lb
• Baldwin County: 733 lb
• Calhoun County: 690 lb
• Chilton County: 677 lb
• Chambers County: 644 lb
• Cullman County: 608 lb
• Clay County: 592 lb
• Cherokee County: 560 lb
• Shelby County: 421 lb
• Etowah County: 391 lb
• Monroe County: 388 lb
• Colbert County: 348 lb
• Walker County: 343 lb
• Coffee County: 305 lb
• Sumter County: 295 lb
• Russell County: 242 lb
• DeKalb County: 230 lb
• Lamar County: 227 lb
• Cleburne County: 210 lb
• Tallapoosa County: 210 lb
• Bibb County: 125 lb
• Marion County: 82 lb
• Dallas County: 80 lb
• Covington County: 76 lb
• Lowndes County: 75 lb
• Talladega County: 74 lb
• Morgan County: 72 lb
• Perry County: 60 lb
• Conecuh County: 53 lb
• Dale County: 50 lb
• Marengo County: 50 lb
• Elmore County: 28 lb
• Pike County: 25 lb
• Pickens County: 20 lb
• Henry County: 15 lb

Keep Growing, Keep Giving

While the 250 Pound Challenge is over, the growing season is not. You can keep growing and giving fresh produce to those in need!

Need a little 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 and record your donations at aces.edu/go/growmore.

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 Grow More, Give More, 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.