URBANA, Ill. — Growing Together is a Illinois is multi-disciplinary program focused on increasing access to fruits and vegetables in identified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education networks to help food-insecure families. The Illinois program administered by Illinois Extension’s SNAP-Ed team, works in partnership with Extension’s Illinois Master Gardener and Illinois 4-H youth programs. Through this collaboration, SNAP-Ed funds are provided to build or expand food donation gardens.
Food pantries provide a much needed relief for food-insecure individuals and families, but pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois aims to provide fresh produce to food pantry clientele across the state.
“The program donates fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the pantries. The overall goal is improved food access, but we also provide nutrition education and other support,” says Trinity Allison, SNAP-Ed senior program lead.
Produce is grown in community gardens run by volunteers with assistance from Master Gardeners and 4-H Clubs, who bring knowledge and expertise in planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting. SNAP-Ed staff supports community partners in establishing a sustainable food donation system by assisting with nutrition policy and providing education on usage, recipes, and suggestions for bundling with other meal items.
2024 Growing Together Illinois recipients
- Aurora Area Interfaith Garden
- Douglas Discovery Garden
- Effingham Community Garden
- LaSalle Northwest School Garden
- Vandalia Little Community Garden
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.