UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Hunger is a growing crisis in every county in Pennsylvania — 1.4 million people struggle with hunger, including almost 400,000 children. This translates to 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 7 children who are unsure of how they might get their next meal.
A six-week course offered by Penn State Extension’s Master Gardeners — “Seed to Supper” — is aimed at reducing those statistics by teaching new gardeners how to successfully grow a portion of their food on a limited budget. Classes are underway in 13 counties, with more locations to follow as interest in the program grows.
“Food insecurity may reflect a household’s need to make trade-offs between important basic needs, such as housing or medical bills, and purchasing nutritionally adequate foods,” said Lori Voll-Wallace, Master Gardener area coordinator. “Charitable programs are not always able to fully support those struggling with hunger. The coronavirus pandemic has compounded the problem, creating home isolation and limited access to nutritious food.”
Downstream effects of food insecurity may include health consequences such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Children struggling to get enough to eat are more likely to have academic and social problems, noted Voll-Wallace.
“Seed to Supper” — initially launched by the Oregon Food Bank and Oregon State Extension Master Gardener Program — is a collaboration with community-based hunger-relief agencies and gardening programs that provides income-eligible families with hands-on lessons on how to grow fresh produce while also imparting knowledge on nutrition and food literacy.
In surveys of the Oregon participants, almost all revealed that they continued to have a garden upon completion of the program, 92% reported reducing their food spending because of their garden, and 80% said they were eating more vegetables. “We anticipate equally meaningful outcomes in our program,” said Voll-Wallace.
Lessons, seeds and gardening supplies are provided to participants at no charge, thanks to community support. Some counties also have received program funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
In 2019, the first “Seed to Supper” program was launched in Pennsylvania, hosted by the Chester County Food Bank and the county’s Master Gardeners. Based on its success, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners wanted to expand the program statewide in 2020, but COVID-19 thwarted their plans.
However, the Master Gardeners in Butler County, in collaboration with nonprofit Community Partnership Inc., forged ahead with a virtual program — graduating a handful of grateful participants — according to Diane Dallos, Master Gardener coordinator in Butler County.