By Susan Deblieck
How can Master Gardeners support local food systems? In 2015, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener program will explore this question as part of a winter webinar series. The final two webinars are Feb. 12 and March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at ISU Extension and Outreach county offices across Iowa. Master Gardeners will gain educational hours while learning how to support school gardens, food banks, community gardens and more.
Jen Daugherty, horticulturist for the ISU Extension and Outreach Wapello County office says Wapello County has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state of Iowa at 14.2 percent; Iowa’s average is 12.7 percent, according to the Map the Meal Gap from FeedingAmerica.org.
“Our county’s Master Gardeners have worked with other nonprofits in the area to address our community’s food insecurity need through the Food Pantry Garden,” said Daugherty. “They provide fresh, healthy produce to several organizations and food pantries in the area, at the same time using the garden to educate others on better gardening practices.”
An avid supporter of local food systems, Daugherty works to engage children in gardening and food production, through a partnership with the school system. Prior to working with ISU Extension and Outreach, she worked abroad with the United States Peace Corps in South Africa, teaching small-scale gardening to alleviate food insecurity in impoverished areas. Through her Peace Corps work, she discovered a passion for teaching children and families how to grow their own food.
The Wapello County Master Gardener club has been involved in two community gardens, an education garden at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, and with local elementary schools. Daugherty feels that, through their gardener’s volunteerism, children are learning how to grow their own food and the families are gaining access to fresh produce.
Winter Webinar Topics
- Thursday, Feb. 12 – In the Community: Hear how Master Gardeners are teaching in community gardens and growing produce for food banks. Master Gardener coordinator Jennifer Daugherty, Ottumwa, will highlight projects in southeast Iowa.
- Thursday, March 12 – Back to School: Learn how Master Gardeners are engaging in school gardens and supporting systems change for health. Hear examples from Master Gardener coordinator Laurie Taylor, Sioux City, in western Iowa.
The webinar series will be presented at several locations including Albia, Altoona, Atlantic, Bettendorf, Boone, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Cresco, Denison, Dubuque, Fairfield, Fayette, Grinnell, Grundy Center, Independence, Indianola, Logan, Newton, Osceola, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pocahontas, Red Oak, Rock Rapids, Rockwell City, Sioux City, Story City, Thompson, Tripoli, Vinton, Wapello, Washington, Waterloo, West Burlington and Williamsburg.
To register, contact an ISU Extension and Outreach county office.