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:
Grinnell Food Coalition Launches New “Seed Grant” to Support Local Food Access Efforts
August 15, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) is excited [...]
Grinnell Food Coalition Awards Harvest Grants to Local Food Access Programs
July 9, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC), a [...]
Giving Gardens Update
June 13, 2025 The 3rd graders at Davis [...]
June Grinnell Food Coalition Partners Meeting
June 10, 2025 Thanks to everyone who joined our June [...]
🌿 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 🥕
🍅🥕 Imagine a garden where everyone can pick fresh vegetables at no cost. That’s the Giving Gardens in Grinnell!
As a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, the gardens provide free produce to our community while teaching sustainability and stewardship.
💚 Your support keeps the gardens growing, feeding neighbors, and building connections. Every dollar makes a difference!
👉 Donate now: ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/giving-gardens/
#GivingGardens #GrinnellGives #FreshFoodForAll