The director of Grow It Forward Inc. in Manitowoc says the mission of their non-profit organization is to provide dignified access to good food along with opportunities to grow, cook, share and advocate.
During an appearance on Be My Guest, Amber Daugs recalled the Community Garden on South 14th Street went up in one day thanks to hundreds of volunteers through the United Way. But, since that time there’s been a significant upgrade. “In the last year, through a partnership with the City of Manitowoc, we were able to install an 18’ by 26’ greenhouse on-site,” Daugs explained. “We are just really grateful that the community continues to reach back and continue to support our mission.”
After saying she didn’t want to get political, Daugs gave credit to the Trump Administration and former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for instituting the Community Food Assistance program and its impact on Manitowoc. “At the peak of the pandemic, we were seeing about 3,300 individuals that we were serving on a daily basis,” she said. “In Manitowoc County, we still have a little over 9,000 individuals who are facing food insecurity. These are individuals who are still on food share, or still need other food resources for their household.”
Amber stated they saw a 133% increase in participation from pre-pandemic to the current day in the food share program. To help others and donate, go to their website at grow54220.org.
Daugs added, “It is really by the grace of the community and their generosity that we even exist as an organization.”
