The Master Gardeners transformed an abandoned community plot in Fort Dodge six years ago, creating a productive garden with 24 4-foot-by-12-foot raised garden beds.

In those garden beds, the group has grown more than 4,498 pounds of produce which have all been donated to area food pantries, including the Salvation Army, Lord’s Cupboard, and Holy Trinity Food Pantry.

“The commitment of master gardeners and the support of community partners has contributed to the success of our donation garden,” said Webster County Master Gardener Doug Brightman. “Together, we will continue to address food insecurity by providing fresh produce to our local food pantries.”

The gardeners have grown tomatoes, zucchini, winter squash, onions, cabbage, and this year’s favorite and best producer, green beans.

-Submitted photo
Rita Milberger and Laura Ludgate harvested cucumbers at the Master Gardeners Community Garden. The produce from the garden is donated to area food pantries.

“”The Salvation Army has been so appreciative of our garden vegetables,” said Rita Milberger, one of the gardeners. “Not only do they serve meals and give away our fresh vegetables to their clients, but they can and freeze beans for this winter.”

According to Milberger, so many green beans were donated this year that the Salvation Army ran out of canning jars.

“The people at the Salvation Army were so appreciative of our donations each time we delivered our harvest,” added gardener Marilyn Moon. “(They) told me that the need is there and a lot of people depend on our donations.”

The gardens are cared for by the Master Gardeners and community volunteers, and are funded by Growing Together mini-grants through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s SNAP-Education program. Fort Dodge’s 100 Women Who Care also donated $7,800 for the construction of a new shed.

The Master Gardeners have donated to the Lord’s Cupboard and the Salvation Army Food Pantry for six years, to Holy Trinity’s Food Pantry for three years and to the YWCA for two years.

A number of community partners have also helped in the garden or with financial support including the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa State University Webster County Extension and Outreach, Beisser Lumber Co., Becker Florist & Garden Center, Smitty’s Garden Center, Menards, Fort Dodge Area Gardeners, and the YWCA.

According to Brightman, community members who may have excess produce from their own gardens can also donate to the Lord’s Cupboard, Salvation Army Food Pantry, and to the Holy Trinity Food Pantry.