Corporate Giving Gardens

Tackling Food Insecurity and Boosting Employee Engagement with Corporate Giving Gardens

Food insecurity is on the rise in central Iowa, with thousands more people visiting food pantries each year. At the same time, employees are seeking new ways to engage with their companies—connecting with co-workers, taking a break from their desks, and giving back to the community.

The solution to all three challenges? Corporate Giving Gardens.

Gardeners tending to a garden

Grow Together: Corporate Giving Gardens for Community Impact

  • On-Site Employee Engagement

    A corporate giving garden is located on company grounds where employees volunteer to grow produce for donation to local organizations serving the food-insecure in central Iowa.

  • Benefits for the Company

    Corporate Giving Gardens boost morale, foster team connection, promote well-being, and showcase the company’s commitment to sustainability and community care.

  • Benefits for the Community

    Corporate Giving Gardens provide fresh, locally grown food to those in need, reducing food insecurity and fostering partnerships between local companies and community organizations.

  • "This program is a great on-site volunteer opportunity. I get to do something that helps others in the community while also getting some fresh air and exercise."

    Sharon Spoden
    Farm Bureau volunteer

Start a Corporate Giving Garden: We’re Here to Help You Grow!

If you are thinking about starting a giving garden at your company, please contact us so that we can:

  • Provide guidance and advice.
  • Send you our Giving Gardens toolkit of resources and information.
  • Connect you with experienced gardeners from other companies.
  • Add you to our United Way garden network.

Contact Diana Echeverria, Community Impact Manager, at diana.echeverria@unitedwaydm.org to get started.