When someone earns the title of Master Gardener in Iowa, they agree to volunteer their time and expertise in things like community gardens.

Fort Dodge and Webster County has a dedicated group of Master Gardeners. A lot of people who rely on local pantries to keep food on their tables are now benefitting from the efforts of that band of greenthumb volunteers.

That benefit is in the form of fresh produce and later this winter, canned vegetables, all grown in a Fort Dodge garden.

In the growing season that just concluded, the Master Gardeners raised 1,297 pounds of home-grown vegetables and donated them to three local food pantries. The Salvation Army, The Lord’s Cupboard and Holy Trinity Food Pantry were the recipients of the bounty.

The Master Gardeners raised a bumper crop of green beans, plus a lot of tomatoes, zucchini, winter squash, onions, and cabbage.

All that was joined by another 1,459 pounds of produce collectively donated by individuals.

Combine the output of the Master Gardeners with that of all the people who are not necessarily Master Gardeners but donated produce and the result is 2,756 pounds of vegetables. Those three food pantries literally received more than a ton of fresh produce.

Apparently at least one food pantry had the nice problem of running short of canning jars because so much produce was received.

We are impressed with the horticulture skills of those who brought forth this bonanza from their gardens.

We thank them for their work. The Master Gardeners spent hours throughout the spring, summer and fall tending to a community garden that yielded the donations. All of the other gardeners also invested hundreds of hours and shared the results of their labors. We thank them on behalf of those, especially children, who will benefit from this nutritious food.

We would also encourage anyone who likes to garden to learn more about the state’s Master Gardener program, conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Those who sign up for the program receive horticulture training, plus ongoing advice and support. In return, they agree to volunteer with community gardens and farmers markets. It is a worthwhile program that will surely welcome more participants.