Grow More, Give More
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is honoring this historic milestone by inviting gardeners across the state to make a difference through the Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge. Rooted in the same spirit of service, innovation, and community that has shaped the nation for the last two and a half centuries, this challenge aims to help the approximately 2 million Alabama residents who face food insecurity.
Extension’s Goal: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, at least 250 pounds of fresh produce will be donated and recorded in all 67 Alabama counties. See which county is in the lead.
Your Challenge: Help Extension reach its goal by growing extra fruits and vegetables to donate to people in your community.
How to Participate
This challenge is open to everyone, from gardening pros to those still establishing their green thumb. The challenge runs May 25 (Memorial Day) through September 7 (Labor Day).
1. Plant and Grow with Purpose
As you plan this year’s growing efforts, dig an extra row or have a few extra pots to grow produce specifically to donate and record through Grow More, Give More.
2. Harvest and Donate
As the crops come in, weigh the produce that you plan to donate and keep record of the poundage. Then, donate your fresh produce somewhere in your community. You can donate to a local food bank, place of worship, community kitchen, food pantry, or even a family member or neighbor in need. If you need help finding a local place to make a donation, visit the interactive donation site map at aces.edu/go/growmore.
3. Record Your Donation
Each time you donate during the challenge period (May 25 through September 7), record the pounds of produce that you gave. Visit aces.edu/go/givemore or click the button below to record donations.
County Leaderboard
As of July 27, fresh produce donations have been reported in 38 counties! Below is the current county leaderboard.
- 1st Place Marshall County: 6,055 lb
- 2nd Place Tuscaloosa County: 4,158 lb
- 3rd Place Jackson County: 2,525 lb
- 4th Place St. Clair County: 2,161 lb
- 5th Place Limestone County: 1,666 lb
- Lee County: 1,111 lb
- Franklin County: 1,075 lb
- Madison County: 1,032 lb
- Jefferson County: 1,017 lb
- Autauga County: 1,013 lb
- Butler County: 1,006 lb
- Mobile County: 932 lb
- Fayette County: 738 lb
- Barbour County: 647 lb
- Houston County: 642 lb
- Cherokee County: 531 lb
- Chilton County: 391 lb
- Baldwin County: 369 lb
- Lauderdale County: 360 lb
- Chambers County: 342 lb
- Coffee County: 305 lb
- Lawrence County: 300 lb
- Walker County: 297 lb
- DeKalb County: 230 lb
- Colbert County: 209 lb
- Blount County: 176 lb
- Cleburne County: 149 lb
- Monroe County: 132 lb
- Lowndes County: 75 lb
- Shelby County: 65 lb
- Cullman County: 63 lb
- Bibb County: 50 lb
- Morgan County: 47 lb
- Talladega County: 45 lb
- Conecuh County: 33 lb
- Elmore County: 20 lb
- Covington County: 12 lb
- Lamar County: 10 lb
Gardening Support from Extension
Need some ideas on what to grow? Some great options for this challenge include beans, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, Southern peas, and okra. While there are many other growing options, these crops are some of the hardiest and best-producing vegetables.
Need a little more gardening help? Alabama Extension has research-based guidance to help you Grow More so you can Give More. Including publications, supply lists, growing cards, and videos—Extension experts have compiled a great group of resources that can help boost your growing potential. Find these resources at aces.edu/go/growmore or by clicking the button below.
Whatever and wherever you choose to donate, thank you for making a difference!
Celebrating 250 Years of Community
The Grow More, Give More 250 Pound Challenge represents Alabama Extension’s longstanding commitment to serving others. By being a part of the challenge, residents across the state can strengthen their communities and ensure that more families have access to fresh, nutritious produce.
The challenge is an effort in support of America250 at Auburn University, a yearlong celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year, Auburn will engage the public through a series of events and activities that highlights the university’s commitment to open inquiry, rigorous scholarship, and thoughtful engagement. More information and listings of upcoming activities are available at auburn.edu/academic/provost/america250/.
More Information
For more information on this challenge, contact the Alabama Extension home horticulture agent in your area. You can find who that is and their contact information in the directory at aces.edu.