The Master Gardeners of Webster County have harvested their final crop of the 2024 season.

According to Master Gardener Doug Brightman, the group donated more than 1,297 pounds of home-grown vegetables to area food pantries.

An additional 1,459 pounds of produce were also donated by local gardeners and farmers.

“A total of 2,756 pounds were donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry, Lord’s Cupboard, and Holy Trinity Food Pantry,” said Brightman.

In previous years, the gardeners have grown tomatoes, zucchini, winter squash, onions, and cabbage. This year’s favorite and best producer was green beans.

“The Salvation Army has been so appreciative of our garden vegetables,” said gardener Rita Milberger. “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 Master Gardeners of Webster County and community volunteers utilize a community garden space to grow their annual donations. The garden space, which includes 24 4-by-12-foot raised beds, was donated by the City of Fort Dodge with the hope of growing food that would help to reduce food insecurity in Fort Dodge.

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 the past 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 the Holy Trinity Food Pantry as well.