Edible Prairie Project

Summer weekend meals for kids when school ends for the summer, many children face uncertainty about their next meal. Our summer weekend meals for kids program ensures they receive kid-friendly food bags each weekend through summer break that feature at least one family-style meal and a protein item. Each bag includes: 2 breakfast items; 2 lunch items; 2 snacks; 1 fresh fruit; and 1 fresh vegetable. We distributed a total of 2,800 weekend food bags serving approximately 425 different children during the 2024 summer break.

Little free pantry network our little free pantries are open 24/7, and stocked with food, personal care, and household items. These pantries are designed to help community members meet their everyday needs with no applications, and no questions asked. Any member of the community can benefit at anytime. Because we don't track who or when they are used, we are unable to provide a precise number of beneficiaries but we would estimate 150 families benefited in 2024.

Garden kits each spring, we give garden kits to families who want to grow their own edible garden at home. These kits typically include: starter plants and seeds; gardening tools, like tomato cages; and a garden plan with planting and harvesting tips. 20 snap/wic families received free garden kits in 2024. Gleaning project at the end of each growing season, we partner with local farmers to glean leftover produce from their fields. All the fresh produce collected is donated so it can be shared with local food banks and pantries, including the little free pantry network.