Alabama Extension - Celebrating America with 250 Pound Challenge - Gulf Coast Media

AUBURN UNIVERSITY -- In celebration of America's 250th anniversary this year, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is issuing a bold statewide challenge. As part of the Grow More, Give More initiative, the new 250 Pound Challenge hopes to encourage gardeners to share their bounty.

The goal of the 250 Pound Challenge is for gardeners in every county to contribute to growing and donating 250 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables through the Grow More, Give More initiative.

Bethany O'Rear, home horticulture agent for Alabama Extension at Auburn University, has led the Grow More, Give More project since 2020.

"The roots of Grow More, Give More date back to the pandemic," O'Rear said. "It was a modern-day Victory Garden approach. Since the beginning, we've encouraged gardeners to plant an extra row with the purpose of donating the surplus. Alabama Extension resources help participants succeed in growing and connect them with places that accept donations. Now, the 250 Pound Challenge will take the Grow More, Give More initiative to a new level."

The 250 Pound Challenge will run from Memorial Day, May 25, through Labor Day, Sept. 7. O'Rear said participating in the 250 Pound Challenge is simple.

"The first step is planting a garden this spring and adding an extra row or a few more container plants than usual," O'Rear said. "When it's time to harvest, intentionally set the extra aside as a donation. All donations count -- whether you give to a local food bank, community kitchen, place of worship or even a family member or neighbor. Just remember to weigh and record the pounds of produce you donate."

For amounts to count toward county totals, gardeners must report donations through an online survey. The link to that survey is available on the 250 Pound Challenge web page at www.aces.edu/go/250Challenge. People can also access the survey at www.aces.edu/go/GiveMore, which includes a link to county-specific donation sites that accept fresh produce.

"We hope this challenge will encourage some friendly competition among various county groups," O'Rear said. "Gardeners can be part of this challenge on their own, or they can join in with others. This might be the perfect time to work together to start a community garden and donate the extra produce through the challenge."

O'Rear said gardeners can grow any crops they choose, but certain types may help gardeners reach their growing goal faster.

"Some of the hardiest and best-producing options in Alabama include beans, squash, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, southern peas and okra," O'Rear said. "Of course, a few donations of watermelons and cantaloupes will tip the scales toward 250 pounds quickly!"

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHILE CELEBRATING AMERICA

Food insecurity remains a serious issue across Alabama, affecting approximately 2 million residents, including 1 in 4 children. Grow More, Give More empowers home gardeners to be part of the solution.

"In a year when we celebrate 250 years of our nation's history, we have an opportunity to show what service and community truly mean," O'Rear said. "If every county grows and gives just 250 pounds of fresh produce, the collective impact will be powerful. This is about neighbors helping neighbors -- and Extension helping make it happen."

In 2025, Grow More, Give More participants donated 21,563 pounds of produce, benefiting thousands of Alabama families. Extension leaders hope the 250 Pound Challenge will significantly increase that impact in 2026.

"We know Alabama gardeners are generous," O'Rear said. "This is a simple but meaningful way for individuals, families, Extension Master Gardeners and community groups to celebrate our country's legacy by strengthening our local communities."

The program and the corresponding challenge are open to gardeners of all experience levels. Alabama Extension provides research-based resources for container gardens, raised beds and traditional in-ground gardens, along with pest management and production guidance.

Find more information at www.aces.edu by searching Grow More, Give More or 250 Pound Challenge. For additional assistance, contact O'Rear at [email protected] or (205) 612-9524. Gardeners can also reach out to their local Extension home horticulture agent.