ATLANTIC, Iowa — September 16, 2026 — Would you like to learn more about harvesting and storing fresh, local produce? Are you interested in learning more about local community food and gardening resources to help you make healthy food choices easier? The Cass County Grow Another Row Committee is inviting community members to a hands-on Harvest & Preserve Event on Wednesday, September 30, at Mollett Park in Atlantic.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Mollett Park, 1020 E. 3rd St. Place, Atlantic, and will give community members an opportunity to learn how to harvest, handle and preserve fresh, in-season produce while taking home resources to continue using those skills. Learn more about the Mollett Park community garden and edible landscaping space and visit locations around the park to harvest and sample fresh-picked produce! Resource stations will also be available with handouts and tips for enjoying your favorite local fruits and vegetables through the growing season and beyond! The event will be come-and-go, with stations set up until approximately 7 PM, so come and stay awhile or stop by when you have a few minutes.
At the Harvest & Preserve Event, participants will receive:
- Fresh produce to take home
- Produce freezing kits
- Free samples of recipes using fresh-picked produce
- An herb plant to take home to grow on a windowsill
- Easy recipes using in-season produce
- Tips for freezing and preserving fresh food
The event is free and open to all. Registration is encouraged by September 25 to help organizers prepare for participants.
The Grow Another Row Committee is a group of local community partners working together to make fresh, locally grown food more available to neighbors. The program relies on community members who donate excess produce, help harvest or transport food, and care for community gardens. More information on the program will also be available at the event, and participants can sign up to receive a seasonal gardening newsletter through Grow Another Row.
Community members interested in getting involved with Grow Another Row do not need to make a large commitment. Volunteers can help harvest excess produce, transport donations from local gardens and homes to Grow Another Row stands, participate in Mollett Park community garden clean-up days, or contribute in other ways.
“Small contributions can make a big difference in helping make fresh, locally grown food available to our neighbors.”
To register for the Harvest & Preserve Event or learn more about getting involved with Grow Another Row, contact 712-243-1132 or email mcage@casshealth.org. Community members can also follow Cass County Local Food on Facebook.
