The problem - Increase accessability to fresh, locally grown food

The educational program response

The 2023-2024 Seed Giveaway Program, started during the pandemic, continues to be a  highly successful program, further fostering the community’s interest in gardening and sustainability.

 This initiative not only promotes healthy eating but also encourages environmental education and hands-on learning for individuals interested in learning to grow their own food from  seeds.

The participants/target audience

The program's reach has expanded with two additional giveaway sites established at the Scott County Cooperative Extension office and the Ed Davis Education Center in Boston, an underserved local neighborhood. This broaden impact and reached a wider audience.

Other partners (if applicable)

Scott County Public Library, Scott County Parks and Recreation, Ed Davis Learning Center

Program impact or participant response.

The seed distribution sights also provided  planting, care, difference between cool season and warm season plants, succession planting and harvest guides alongside the seed packets. The program's reach has expanded with two additional giveaway sites established at the Scott County Cooperative Extension office and the Ed Davis Education Center in Boston, an underserved local neighborhood. This broaden impact and reached a wider audience.  During the fall of 2023 and through the spring and summer of 2024, the Seed Library garnered significant interest, almost tripling individuals participating  with over 400 individuals checking out more than 3000 seed packets (double the amount since inception) . This outreach effort attracts many first-time participants to Extension activities, strengthens community engagement.