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About Us

  • Mission: To grow high-quality produce for food-insecure Iowans while empowering global subsistence farmers through agricultural education.
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  • Vision: A world where sustainable agriculture eliminates hunger, both at home and abroad.

My Story

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Our Story

From Science to Service
The seeds of Iowa Gardening for Good were sown at the intersection of professional expertise and a simple, urgent need: nobody in our community should go without fresh, nutritious food.
Our founder, Tracy Blackmer, spent decades looking at agriculture through the lens of a researcher. With a Ph.D. in Agronomy, his career was dedicated to understanding the complexities of the soil, crop yields, and data-driven farming. However, he realized that while Iowa is a global leader in corn and soybean production, many of our own neighbors in Iowa still struggle to access fresh vegetables for their families.
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Bringing the Science Home
In 2025, we decided to put that high-level agricultural expertise to work for the public good. We launched Iowa Gardening for Good (IGFG) as a non-profit dedicated to growing high-quality produce specifically for local food pantries. By applying professional agronomic standards to community gardening, we ensure that every square foot of soil produces the maximum benefit for our neighbors.
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A Global Connection
We believe that the lessons we learn in the Iowa soil have a place on the global stage. Our mission quickly expanded beyond our own borders through a partnership with the Zambia Iowa Agricultural Partners (ZIAP). Today, we are proud to help train over 15,000 subsistence farmers in Zambia, sharing the same sustainable techniques we use here at home to help families half a world away achieve food security and self-sufficiency.
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Growing Together
What started as a way to use a lifetime of agricultural knowledge has grown into a community movement. Whether we are working with local partners like South Story Bank, applying for support from the Boone County Community Foundation, or getting our hands dirty with local volunteers, our goal remains the same:
We use the science of the field to fuel the spirit of the community.

How We Work: Science-Led, Volunteer-Powered

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At Iowa Gardening for Good, we’ve developed a model that combines professional agricultural management with grassroots community action. We provide the plan and the oversight; our volunteers provide the heart and the hustle.
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1. Expert Planning & Management
Leveraging a Ph.D. in Agronomy, we take the guesswork out of the garden. We manage soil health, crop rotation, and pest control using professional-grade standards. This ensures that every hour a volunteer spends in the field is productive and that our harvest yields are maximized for the community.
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2. The Volunteer Engine
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of IGFG. From local students and families to retirees and corporate teams, people from all walks of life join us to:
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  • Plant & Nurture: Getting hands-on experience with sustainable growing techniques.
  • Harvest & Prep: Ensuring produce is picked at peak nutrition and prepared for delivery.
  • Learn & Lead: Many of our volunteers gain skills they take back to their own home gardens, spreading the mission of food security throughout Iowa.​​
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3. Direct Community Distribution
We don't just grow food; we move it. Through our network of local partners, we ensure that the fresh vegetables harvested by our volunteers are delivered to local food banks and distribution centers within hours. This "farm-to-pantry" pipeline ensures that our neighbors in need receive produce that is as fresh as anything found at a premium market.
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4. Global Knowledge Sharing
The work done by our Iowa volunteers serves as a proof-of-concept for our international efforts. The techniques we refined in our local fields are the same ones we share with 15,000 subsistence farmers in Zambia, creating a bridge of agricultural empowerment that spans the globe.

Our Commitment to Equity

At Iowa Gardening for Good, we believe that the soil does not discriminate, and neither should the systems that provide food to our communities. We recognize that food insecurity disproportionately affects marginalized groups due to historical and systemic inequities.

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We are committed to:
  • Diversity: Welcoming volunteers, board members, and partners from all backgrounds, regardless of race, age, ability, or socioeconomic status.
  • Equity: Tailoring our resources and training—from the fields of Iowa to the farms in Zambia—to ensure that those with the greatest needs receive the most support.
  • Inclusion: Creating an environment where every voice is heard, ensuring that our agricultural programs are culturally relevant and accessible to everyone.
 
We grow more than just food; we grow a community where everyone has a seat at the table.

© 2026 by Iowa Gardening for Good

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