By Andi Anderson
Monroe County 4‑H member Hannah Crain is growing more than just plants—she’s growing community. Through her 2025 YES Grant-funded service project, Plant It Forward, Hannah assembled and distributed 100 garden kits to guests at Pantry 279, a Bloomington-based food pantry that supports around 6,500 individuals monthly.
The kits included a grow bag, soil, plant food, an informational guide, and either a tomato or pepper plant. Tomato kits also came with a tomato cage. The aim: to make gardening simple, accessible, and meaningful.
Hannah explained, “A short-term goal of Plant It Forward is to provide a steady supply of fresh healthy food options throughout the summer. The long-term goal is to teach the community how to grow their own food and understand the health benefits that come with it.”
The project reflects Hannah’s passion for agriculture, healthy eating, and local service. She plans to pursue agronomy in college and believes this project is a stepping stone toward a lifelong career in plant science and food sustainability.
Interacting with the community proved to be one of the most rewarding parts of the project. “Some people were hesitant to try gardening, while others were thrilled to start again,” she shared. “My favorite part was hearing people’s stories—memories of gardening with grandparents or parents—and seeing their faces light up.”
Hannah’s efforts not only bring nutritious food to local families but also empower them with knowledge and tools for self-reliance.
The 2025 YES Grants program, which helped make her project possible, is funded by Corteva AgriScience and Rural First by Farm Credit.
Through her inspiring work, Hannah is helping Monroe County residents plant more than seeds—she’s helping them plant confidence, health, and hope.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle