A program for gardeners to share extra produce is beginning its fifth year in Charles City.
Originally funded by a Growing Together Iowa grant through Floyd County-ISU Extension, this year’s “Free Veggies-Floyd County” will be operated with monetary donations from local businesses. Produce for the program is still donated by area gardeners, with giveaways of free produce again slated for Saturdays this August and September for anyone who stops by, not just SNAP recipients.
Any produce left at the end of the Saturday distributions is taken to Messiah Food Pantry in Charles City In addition, local gardeners can drop off vegetables at either the Extension office or the food pantry during the week.
Local gardeners are encouraged to donate vegetables they grow. Seed potatoes, onion sets, and garden seeds are available at Floyd County Extension Office in Charles City. Free vegetable and flower seeds are also available on a first come-first served basis.
The Clark Street Community Garden plots are also now available for rent through the Charles City Chamber/Main Street Iowa office. Half of the 24 in-ground beds are available rent-free if gardeners donate the produce to the Messiah Food Pantry or Free Veggies-Floyd County.
In addition, 15 standing garden beds are available free for families who would like to try gardening and raising their own produce.
