Across Clackamas County, some community members face food insecurity or are at risk of it, highlighting the need for community-based strategies that build resilience and expand access to nutritious food. In response, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program partnered with low- income housing communities and a community health clinic to offer “Seed to Supper,” a free, beginner-friendly gardening course designed to equip adult gardeners with the tools to grow a part of their own food on a limited budget.

Master Gardener volunteers led the 6-week courses, container gardening classes, and hands-on planting events at three Clackamas County locations. OSU Extension, the Clackamas County Master Gardener Association, and other donors provided seeds, gardening tools, and plant starts, creating inclusive, welcoming spaces and productive gardens. These partnerships transformed barren, weed-filled beds into thriving plots and taught participants how to grow food in containers where space is limited. The harvests from these efforts reduced grocery costs, improved access to nutritious food, and fostered confidence, pride, and community connections.