Reiman Gardens Volunteers Recognized at 2026 Arts Awards Celebration

Reiman Gardens’ Grow and Give volunteers received the Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer award at the 2026 Arts Awards Celebration on May 17. The ceremony celebrates individuals, organizations, or businesses nominated for their outstanding efforts in the Ames arts community throughout the year.

The Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer award is given to those who are instrumental to an organization’s mission, often working behind the scenes to support success. It is awarded to an individual or group who generously gives time and energy to respond to needs in the Ames community. The Grow and Give Produce Donation Program volunteers at Reiman Gardens embody this award through their constant efforts to fight food insecurity.

While unused produce often goes to waste and many experience limited access to healthy food, the Grow and Give Program diverts literal tons of fresh produce to 15 food pantries across Story and Boone counties each summer. Kim Hope, Director of Service and Learning at Reiman Gardens, shared about the lasting impact of this program and the volunteers who lead it. 

“Since 2004, these volunteers—alongside Reiman Gardens staff and community donors—have transformed 178,991 pounds of produce into nearly 60,000 servings of nutritious food for neighbors in need,” Hope said.

Volunteers collect, weigh, sort and deliver donated produce each Monday (June through September), along with growing their own produce in their home gardens and tending to the gardens at Reiman. David Miller, a Grow and Give volunteer, spoke on the significance of the program and the pride and responsibility each volunteer takes in the process. 

“We don’t give our extra produce to Grow and Give. We give our best produce to Grow and Give,” Miller emphasized. “We are not only providing necessary food to people who genuinely need it and deserve it, but we are giving them darn good food.” 

Food insecurity directly affects Story County residents, and Grow and Give volunteers work to meet the need week after week, right at home in Ames. Each person involved with the program demonstrates commitment, teamwork and compassion. It is only through the ongoing generosity of dedicated volunteers that the Grow and Give Produce Donation Program continues to thrive. 

The Grow and Give Program takes place at Reiman Gardens from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Monday, beginning June 15. For more information about the program or to volunteer, visit https://reimangardens.com/GrowGive.