a mission of love for our city
Did you know?
Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. It affects individuals and families who may struggle to afford or obtain reliable meals, often leading to difficult choices between food and other basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and transportation. Even in strong communities, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, impacting overall health, stability, and well-being.
17% of children in Iowa are food insecure.
In Polk County, there are 56,000 people who are food insecure and 20,000 of them are children.
The Agape Garden has produced over 180,000 pounds of food, and counting.
Our Story
The Agape Garden first began several years ago by Ankeny First United Methodist Church with a desire to give fresh food back to the community. The Agape Garden is an ecumenical initiative that unites churches, organizations, and community members in the shared mission of growing and donating fresh produce. Each year, the garden contributes about 10,000 pounds of food to the Ankeny Service Center, supporting individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Ankeny community.
Get Involved!
During the growing season, the Agape Garden relies on volunteers to assist with planting, maintaining, and harvesting produce, which is donated to the Ankeny Service Center for distribution to those in need. Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome, and families are encouraged to participate together. On-site leadership is always available to provide guidance and ensure a positive and organized experience.
