Nearly 15% of Hart County residents are food insecure. That means they are uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food. (Kentucky By the Numbers).  Inflation has increased food insecurity. 

People are looking for ways to stretch their dollars and to become more self-sufficient.

The Hart County Extension Office has offered free seeds to the public for the past four years thanks to donations from Rural King in Glasgow and Ace Hardware in Munfordville. The staff created a “seed library” in the front foyer of the office.  Seeds were advertised through social media and newsletters. Dozens of different garden vegetable seeds, herbs, and flowers were available to choose from. Each client that visited the library was allowed to take as many seed packets as they wished.

In addition to the seeds, gardening and nutrition information was offered as well. The 4-H agent utilized seed as part of pollinator education with a local elementary teacher. Seeds were utilized in Caverna School science classrooms in addition to being given out at six back to school bashes along with Plate it Up KY Proud and SNAP recipe cards. 

The library was available beginning in August or September each year and seeds were left out until they ran out. 

Over the course of the program the Extension Office has given away seeds valued over $8000.

A Qualtrics survey was conducted in June of 2024. Participants reported growing over 2,250 pounds of produce from the free seeds. Community Feedback was extremely positive. Clientele were able to provide feedback via the Qualtrics survey. 

I canned over 1000 jars of tomatoes, green beans, salsa, corn, etc. from plants I grew from free seeds. Wonderful program!

The free seeds gave me and my children special memories of planting flowers together. We enjoyed learning about how to make the seeds grows, and they had more responsibility because they were in charge of caring for the seeds.

This has benefited my family and my community. When you don't make alot of money and you are too proud to go to social security office for ebt. I saved and taught my children how to grow and maintain a garden it's beneficial for everyone thank you all for all you do.

I have raised flowers, bought vases cheaply, and made bouquets for elderly people. It brought smiles to their faces, as well as mine! I appreciate the generous donation to our community!

Growing food for family and friends creates and builds self-confidence and independence. Extra seeds have been passed on to family and friends; thus, creating new gardeners. We find this program extremely beneficial, and the extension's staff are a real pleasure to deal with.

My children love picking out seeds and taking care of our garden. It gets them outside and allows us to spend time together while they learn where food comes from.

I grew flowers for my daughters wedding. It saved me at least $2000 

I am a senior this gets me out working in the yard in the morning

The Agents plan to offer the seed library again this fall.