When COVID-19 shutdowns began over a year ago, shutting down was never really an option for Grow to Share (GTS). It was deemed an essential activity, providing food to community food pantries, as need increased, volunteers continued to meet the demand, providing time and money to this River Falls staple organization.Â
For over 15 years the River Falls non-profit, GTS, has been facilitating a volunteer-based collaborative garden, promoting experiential learning and sharing the harvest. In addition to managing and operating more than two acres of land in Hoffman Park, the organization partners with other groups in the area, hosting the University of Wisconsin Extension Master Gardeners demonstration garden and the River Falls School Districtâs Kids Club. Much of what the volunteers grow in the garden makes its way to the community food pantry. Â