Gardens for Good

In 2020 the Hennepin County Master Gardeners (MG) developed a program – Gardens for Good – to grow and share produce for those in need. This toolkit is designed to encourage the community to join in this initiative by sharing information and resources to make this happen!

Food Insecurity in Minnesota

The past years have been challenging for the emergency food system in Minnesota. Every year we have seen more than 3 million visits to food shelves. This means every seven minutes someone is reaching out for help to one of more than 320 food shelves in our state.

Gardens for Good is the right thing to do for the right reason at the right time.

Learn more about food security and food justice.

How You Can Help

Where to Donate

Use the interactive map at Hunger Solutions or Ample Harvest to find local donation spots.

What to Consider Before Donating

Safe Growing & Harvesting

Additional Information

Desired Produce Donations

The following is a list of the most requested fruits and vegetables. You may wish to consider this list in donating, or check with your local donation site to see if there are other frequently requested items. Use the interactive map at Hunger Solutions or Ample Harvest to find local donation spots.

  • Okra
  • Hot peppers
  • Fish peppers
  • Sweet peppers
  • Tomatoes (large)
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Broccoli
  • Collards
  • Spinach
  • Mustard Greens
  • Cabbage
  • Garlic
  • Snap peas
  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Red or white onion (large)
  • Green onion
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes & yams
  • Winter squash (e.g., pumpkin, acorn, butternut)
  • Corn
  • Lentils
  • Celery
  • Melons
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Herbs (e.g., cilantro & coriander, mint, parsley, basil, lemongrass)

Start Donating Your Produce Today

Contact your local food shelf to find out their recipients’ preferences.

FIND YOUR LOCAL FOOD SHELF