COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you see flowers in public places or fresh produce at the local food bank, it might be the work of a University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener (EMG).
MU Extension Master Gardeners donated nearly 25,000 pounds of produce to food pantries and soup kitchens last year by growing food and teaching others to grow food. Photo courtesy of MU Extension Master Gardener Susan Wade.
In the program’s 2025 annual report, EMGs across the state reported thousands of hours of volunteer work that improve local communities. Through outreach, volunteer leadership, and research-based education in communities of all sizes, more than 2,125 volunteers contributed almost 150,000 hours valued at more than $5 million, says Juan Cabrera, director of the program.
MU Extension Master Gardeners contributed nearly 150,000 hours valued at more than $5 million through their efforts to improve Missouri communities. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Schutter.
“Their collaborative efforts in demonstration gardens, youth programs, community food systems, public events, and environmental stewardship showcase the extensive reach of Extension’s initiatives across Missouri,” Cabrera says.
Gardeners used research-based education from MU to help other gardeners improve their gardening skills by answering 834 questions from the public, he says.
Whether it’s handing out seeds at local food banks, distributing milkweed plants to encourage Monarch butterfly populations or planting 200 tomato plants for a tomato festival, Extension Master Gardeners find ways to use their knowledge and skills to benefit others, following the program’s motto of “helping others learn to grow,” says Debi Kelly, state Extension Master Gardener coordinator.
Participants benefit from the social aspect of their chapter involvement also, says Kelly. Chapter meetings, projects and events give volunteers from different age and socioeconomic groups, an opportunity to learn and work together for the betterment of their own community through volunteering.
In addition, gardeners help to reduce food insecurity by donating nearly 25,000 pounds of produce to food pantries and soup kitchens across the state. They also teach others to grow their own food in community gardens, backyards and in containers on patios, emphasizing the cost-saving and nutritional benefits of fresh produce, Kelly says.
More than 300 Missourians completed the Master Gardener online course last year, and more than 280 attended in-person classes. There are 45 chapters throughout the state.
Learn more about the Extension Master Gardener program at https://mg.missouri.edu.