Describe the Issue or Situation.  Although fruit and vegetable gardening is proven to increase food security and enhance health and well-being, the cost of seeds and transplants can be prohibitive to many gardeners in Powell County.  A Master Gardener volunteer secured year-old seeds from Lowes that were to be thrown away.   

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).  A Seed Giveaway was organized by the Powell County Extension Office to promote active living and healthy lifestyles to community members.  In addition to free seeds, University publication on home vegetable gardening, SNAP recipes and gardening calendars were distributed.  

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.  One hundred and twenty five home gardeners participated.  Gender was evenly distributed between male and female and age ranged from teenagers to seniors.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.  Approximately 1,500 seed packs were handed out over two days.  At $2.00 per pack, that $3000 saved for Powell County gardeners.  15 reported being first time gardeners and 50 picked up vegetable seed types that they had never grown before.