Across the state of Iowa, there are several neighborhoods that have no access to fresh produce. Known as food deserts, these neighborhoods tends to have higher rates of diet-related illnesses as well as other conditions that can affect their long-term well-being.
Several giving gardens, or gardens specifically made to donate fresh produce, exist across the country and the state of Iowa. Contact a local hunger coalition, like Eat Greater Des Moines, your local United Way, or your local church/synagogue to see if a local giving garden exists in your community.
Ways that you can help:
Offer to start plants from seed (Feb/March)
Assist with planting or building new raised beds (May) and watering (May-September)
Help weed (June-September)
Assist with harvest and transporting to a network that can help distribute food like your local food bank (July-October)
Help tear out expired plants (October/November)