Introduction

Food security is an identified focus area for the Master Gardener Volunteer program Mission and Vision.  Nearly 1 million residents of upstate New York live in poverty, while the New York City metropolitan area has a 17% poverty rate. New York State ranked among the top 20 states with the worst food hardship, according to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), with 3 million New Yorkers relying on food assistance, 1 million being children.  In response to these issues, NYS Seed to Supper (S2S) is a comprehensive beginning gardening experience focused on low budget strategies with community development and relationship building at its core.  It gives novice gardeners the tools they need to connect with others in community, grow in confidence, and successfully grow a portion of their own food on a limited budget.

By actively participating in Group Gardens and New York State Seed to Supper, you will:

  • Understand the basics of engaging with Community Organizations that run Group Gardens.
  • Define the Master Gardener Volunteer role in supporting Group Gardens and Seed to Supper.
  • Prepare for the Seed to Supper program for interested Master Gardener Volunteers.

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