Small Plants, Big Impact
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is excited to launch Plants of Hope and Seeds of Hope, two new volunteer-driven gardening programs that turns homegrown harvests into nourishment for neighbors.
Growing Hope
Plants of Hope
This spring, 20 volunteer gardeners will receive 15 starter plants—a mix of vegetables, selected for high yield and easy care. By planting these in your home garden, you’ll help increase access to fresh, healthy produce for families across our region.
Would you like to be one of those volunteers? Sign up today!
How the Program Works
- Receive Your Starter Plants in April
Each participant will pick up a tray of 15 vegetable starter plants: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini (3 of each)
- Plant and Grow at Home
Tend your plants throughout the growing season in your own garden space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this is a simple way to make a meaningful impact.
- Partner With a Local Food Pantry
You’ll be paired with one of our Food Pantry partners in the county where you live. As your garden produces extra vegetables, you’ll communicate directly with your pantry partner to coordinate drop-offs.
- Donate Your Harvest
Each time you deliver produce, the pantry will weigh your donation. These totals will be reported back to Second Harvest so we can celebrate the collective impact of our Plants of Hope growers.
- Share the Bounty, Share the Hope
Your homegrown vegetables will go directly to neighbors who need them most—bringing fresh, nutritious food to tables across East Central Indiana.
Seeds of Hope
Participants will receive an envelope filled with a variety of packets of vegetable seeds—easy-to-grow options perfect for home gardens, raised beds, or even containers. As your plants flourish, you’ll have the opportunity to share your harvest with families experiencing food insecurity across our region.
Do you think you’ll have extra produce to share with us? Join the Mailing List!
How the Program Works
- Pick Up Your Envelope of Seed Packets
Each participant receives a curated mix of vegetable seeds—chosen for high yield, adaptability, and ease of care.
- Plant and Grow at Home
Sow your seeds in your garden, yard, or containers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting for the first time, you’ll be helping nourish your community from the ground up.
- Enjoy and Share Your Harvest
Use what you need for your household, and when your garden produces extra, you’re encouraged to bring your surplus to Second Harvest Food Bank.
- Your Bounty Becomes Someone’s Meal
Donations will be weighed and distributed through our network to neighbors who need fresh, healthy produce the most.
