By Scout Nelson
Fresh food is being sent to kitchens all around the state by the University of Nebraska Lincoln through its Nebraska Extension program. Volunteers from the SNAP-Ed and Extension Master Gardener programs are setting up community gardens as part of the Growing Together Nebraska project to improve access to fresh, locally farmed produce.
Together with these initiatives, the state's health is being improved through nutrition education and garden maintenance.
Emily Gratopp, an associate extension educator, emphasized the importance of the project in providing equitable access to health-promoting resources. "This is a very small part we can play to build up that access and provide equitable health-serving resources to people in our communities and across Nebraska," she said.
Volunteers manage donation gardens in 12 communities statewide, with the harvests donated to food pantries and emergency food distribution sites.
In 2023 alone, volunteers provided over 46,500 pounds (about 21092.03 kg) of fresh produce to nearly 20,000 Nebraskans. The program, active in nine states, began in Nebraska in 2016 and is primarily funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed).
The gardens grow a variety of produce, from vegetables like cabbage and carrots to herbs like cilantro and basil. The Master Gardeners’ expertise ensures a healthy yield, which is then distributed along with educational materials on proper storage, preparation, and nutrition.
In Lincoln, the project received a grant to provide recipe kits, which include fresh produce and additional ingredients to create complete meals.
The program’s educational component, including cooking classes and demonstrations, helps recipients make the most of the produce they receive. By responding to the preferences of the communities they serve, the program ensures that the produce provided is both familiar and useful, fostering comfort and connection through food.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General