Coloradoans are still feeling the effect of the pandemic. Rates of food insecurity and hunger remain high. But you can do something to make a difference and help our friends, neighbors, and community members in need. You can Grow and Give!
History of the Program
The Colorado Master Gardener program, is a well-known part of CSU Extension. Grow & Give launched in 2020 due to skyrocketing food insecurity. This project is modeled on backyard victory gardens that boosted food supplies and morale during the bleak years of World War I and World War II. It was so successful in its first season that Grow & Give is back.
This year, it has a broader goal of boosting food security in Colorado communities. CSU Extension can make such a big difference connecting people to solve real needs in their communities. This program hits all the marks for Colorado State University’s Land-Grant misson.
Participate in Grow & Give
Even the smallest gardens can make a difference! Volunteer participation is open to any Colorado gardener. Volunteering with Grow & Give does not commit you to donating a set amount of produce. Your pledge to donate is greatly appreciated.
Altogether 600 volunteer gardeners donated 47,000 pounds of produce across Colorado. The fresh fruits and vegetables went to food banks, pantries, homeless shelters, and other nonprofits for distribution. A year later, Grow & Give continues to provide a way for Coloradans to food fight insecurity in their communities.
Resources to Help
- A free, 85-page Colorado Vegetable Guide available for download in English and Spanish. The guide offers crop-by-crop guidance for gardeners; learn to grow everything from asparagus to zucchini.
- A new mobile app that connects gardeners to hunger-relief organizations. It’s offered in partnership with the Colorado nonprofit Fresh Food Connect.
- A dynamic website with short, fresh videos, information sheets, and webinars on how to grow fruits and vegetables in your backyard growandgivecolorado.org .
- An online vegetable course is offered through CSU Professional Education. The course is for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Together we can build a resilient food system where everyone in our community has healthy, fresh, and plentiful food. Therefore, with your help Grow & Give can grow food and share the harvest.
Ann C Zander says
Grow&Give is such a great project and not only because it can make you feel great as a neighbor in your community by helping yourself and others to enjoy fresh produce that is locally grown.
Gisele says
Great program, great educational resources!! Let’s grow and share some food!!