First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative is partnering with University of Wyoming Extension to launch a new program called Grow a Little Extra — encouraging gardeners to grow additional produce for their neighbors in need.

The campaign will target three groups in Wyoming: home gardeners who can grow extra produce to share with local food pantries; existing community gardens that can dedicate one or two sections to growing food specifically for local food distribution agencies; and churches or community organizations who want to start a new garden to grow food for the community.

“This Wyoming Hunger Initiative effort will leverage the work already being done and help increase access to local produce for a wide range of people in Wyoming,” said Gordon, praising UW Extension’s existing Master Gardener program and Cent$ible Nutrition Programs.

Wyoming Hunger Initiative regional directors Caitlin Youngquist and Lori Dickinson, both from UW Extension, spearheaded the new effort.

Anyone in the state of Wyoming who enjoys gardening is encouraged to plant an extra row or two and donate the produce to their local Cent$ible Nutrition Program, where it will be weighed and distributed to local anti-hunger organizations. Wyoming Hunger Initiative has also distributed seed packets to all 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation; the free seeds can be picked up at local Extension offices. Lastly, infrastructure grants are available for organizations who wish to expand an existing community garden or start a new one to grow produce for sharing with families and organizations in need.

UW Extension Director Kelly Crane said his office “enthusiastically” supports Wyoming gardeners, community gardens across the state and the Wyoming Hunger Initiative.

“The Grow a Little Extra project provides an outstanding opportunity for all of us to rally in support of local organizations who provide food for our community members who are in need,” Crane said.

He encouraged residents to visit their local UW Extension office for more information on how to contribute to the effort. The Powell Extension office is located at the Park County Fairgrounds (call 307-754-8836), while the Cody office (307-527-8560) is located in the Park County Complex.