Fun Facts
Giving Gardens
The Giving Gardens is a collaborative effort by local organizations aiming to improve the health of Poweshiek County by providing free access to fresh, local produce. The gardens originally began with the Grinnell Regional Medical Center garden in 2013 as a means to provide access to healthy food options previously not available to Poweshiek County families.
During the growing season, the Giving Gardens depend on volunteers to maintain the gardens and harvest food. Harvested produce is then delivered to locations around the community where families and individuals can receive it. Area farmers and gardeners are also encouraged to donate excess produce to these locations. Families and individuals can also access the gardens directly to pick their own produce.
This program relies on volunteers to support and sustain their efforts, please click the button below to sign up today.
Click here to see Giving Garden Locations
Press:
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Grinnell Food Coalition to Open Second Round of Harvest Grant Applications
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Marvin Garden had an incredible growing season!
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☀This summer, the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation has 2 AmeriCorps service members who are excited to serve the Grinnell community! As the Giving Gardens get ready for the summer, we want to know what YOU would like to grow! We have open spaces in the Bailey and Fairview Gardens. As of now, we are planning on growing tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, sweet and spicy peppers, summer and winter squash, zucchini, and broccoli between those two gardens.
👇Comment below if there are any fall plants/vegetables you would like to have and we’ll do our best to accommodate the most requested.
🌱 What’s Growing in the Giving Gardens this year?
Spring and summer will bring lots of fresh produce to the Giving Gardens! This season you can expect to see:
🥬 Lettuce
🌿 Spinach
🫛 Peas
🥒 Cucumbers
🍅 Tomatoes
🫛 Green beans
🎃 Summer squash
🌿 Fresh herbs
…and more!
These gardens help provide fresh, healthy food while bringing the community together around growing and sharing.
Want to see the gardens up close or lend a hand? Volunteers are always welcome!
#GivingGardens #FreshFood #GrowGrinnell #CommunityHarvest
🌿 Did You Know? Grinnell Has 8 Giving Gardens!
The Giving Gardens will be growing all across the community, with eight garden locations throughout Grinnell. These gardens help bring fresh produce closer to where people live and create welcoming spaces for neighbors to connect.
Each garden helps support the shared mission of growing healthy food and strengthening our community.
Next time you’re out for a walk or drive, keep an eye out—you may spot one of our gardens in bloom! 🌱
Interested in helping at a garden near you? Email jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation to volunteer!
#GivingGardens #Grinnell #CommunityGardens #GrowLocal
🌱 Grow With Us at the Giving Gardens!
The Giving Gardens are looking for volunteers to help plant, weed, water, and harvest throughout the growing season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just want to spend some time outdoors supporting your community, we would love to have you join us!
Your time helps grow fresh produce that can be shared throughout the community. Every helping hand makes a difference.
💚 Flexible volunteer opportunities
🌱 All experience levels welcome
🌞 Great way to spend time outdoors and meet others
Interested in helping? Send us a message or email jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org
#GivingGardens #VolunteerLocal #GrowTogether
During the cold winter months, are you dreaming of sunshine and fresh produce?
Coming to a garden near you 🥕