'Grow A Little Extra': Gardeners asked to help fight food insecurity – County 17

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GILLETTE, Wyo. — With spring in full swing, the Council of Community Services has announced its support for an initiative encouraging gardeners to share their harvest with food pantries. 

The Grow a Little Extra program is an open call for gardeners of all skill levels to make an impact in their communities by growing an extra row or two of produce to help local families in need, per CCS. 

Through the program, gardeners can receive free seeds from a participating University of Wyoming Extension Office that they can take home and plant in their home gardens. After their harvest, gardeners are then encouraged to share a portion of their home-grown produce with food pantries, according to CCS. 

“Fresh produce is one of the most requested, but least donated, items at food banks,” CCS says. “Your extra tomatoes, zucchini, or carrots could mean the world to a family struggling with food insecurity.”

For residents who aren’t blessed with a green thumb, help is also welcome by spreading the word about the program or by making donations from farmers’ markets and grocery stores. 

“Every small effort adds up to a big difference,” CCS says. “Let’s work together to ensure everyone in our community has access to healthy food all summer long.”

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