How the Program Works
A decentralized community growing network where people grow food in whatever space they have and donate at least half of every harvest to those who need it most.
What Grow and Give Stands For
The Grow and Give Program is built on six core pillars that guide every grower, volunteer, and partner organization in our network.
Getting fresh produce to seniors, veterans, low-income families, shelters, and food-insecure households in our community.
Neighbors, schools, churches, volunteers, and local organizations growing and sharing together across the network.
Teaching gardening, seed saving, composting, sustainability, and local food systems to people of all ages.
Growing without synthetic pesticides or herbicides — supporting soil health, pollinators, and biodiversity.
Saving and sharing seeds to preserve local plant genetics and strengthen future growing capacity.
Building decentralized food systems so communities can respond when supply chains fail.
How Grow and Give Works
Grow in Whatever Space You Have
You do not need a large farm. A backyard, balcony, patio, raised bed, grow bag, or container garden qualifies. The program supports growers of every size and experience level.
Follow Sustainable Growing Standards
Official Grow and Give sites use no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. We grow in ways that protect pollinators, build soil health, and support long-term ecological wellbeing.
Donate at Least Half of What You Grow
Participants donate at least half of their harvest to vulnerable populations through food pantries, shelters, churches, community kitchens, and partner organizations.
Document and Report Your Progress
Growers log harvests, donations, volunteer hours, and observations. This data helps prove impact, secure funding, and improve over time.
Save Seeds and Share Knowledge
When possible, save seeds from healthy plants and share what you learn. This builds future growing capacity and preserves local genetics.
Help the Network Grow
Each grower who joins makes the network stronger. Share the program with neighbors, churches, schools, and organizations who might want to participate.
Food Access Is a Community Issue
Millions of Americans live in food deserts where fresh, affordable produce is difficult or impossible to access. The Grow and Give Program does not wait for a large institution to solve this. It builds a decentralized system where many small gardens create a community-wide food safety net.
The Pilot Garden
The Grow and Give Program is currently in its pilot phase, operating in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Everything learned here will be used to build a replication kit that other communities, churches, schools, and organizations can use to launch their own Grow and Give efforts.
Pilot Garden Details
- Location: Gwinnett County, Georgia
- Garden size: 10 ft x 18 ft protected growing area
- Main bed: 4 ft x 12 ft center bed
- Primary crop: Georgia Southern collards
- Companion plants: onions, garlic, dill, cilantro, marigolds, nasturtiums
- Growing method: Direct seed, no transplants
- Seed saving built into the growing plan from the start
Ready to Start Growing?
Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a few hours a month — there is a place for you in the Grow and Give Program.
Sign Up to Volunteer →