Volunteers with the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program contributed thousands of hours of service across the state in 2025, generating an estimated economic impact of more than $5 million while supporting community projects, food access and environmental education.
According to the program’s annual report, more than 2,100 volunteers logged nearly 150,000 hours of service last year through outreach, education and hands-on gardening initiatives in communities statewide.
Program director Juan Cabrera says the effort reflects the broad reach of Extension programs, from demonstration gardens and youth education to community food systems and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners also responded to hundreds of public inquiries, helping residents improve gardening practices using research based information provided through the University of Missouri.
Volunteers supported a wide range of local projects, including distributing seeds at food banks, planting pollinator-friendly species such as milkweed to support monarch butterflies, and organizing community events centered around food production.
State Extension Master Gardener coordinator Debi Kelly says the program’s mission of “helping others learn to grow” extends beyond gardening by fostering collaborations among participants from diverse backgrounds.
“These programs bring people together while improving the communities they live in,” Kelly says.
A significant portion of the program’s impact addressed food insecurity. Volunteers donated nearly 25,000 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries and soup kitchens and provided education on growing food at home, including in small spaces such as patios and container gardens.
Participation in the program also continued to grow. More than 300 Missourians completed online training courses in 2025, while over 280 attended in-person classes. The program now includes 45 chapters across the state.
University officials say the continued expansion of the Master Gardener program highlights increasing interest in local food production, sustainability and community engagement.
More information about the Missouri Extension Master Gardener program is available through the University of Missouri Extension.
Comments are closed.