At GrowJoy.com, we’ve always believed that gardening is about more than just fresh veggies on your plate—it’s about growing joy, building connections, and strengthening communities. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate some incredible home gardeners from our GrowJoy family who go above and beyond. These folks plant extra rows of crops specifically to donate to soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and neighbors who can’t grow their own due to physical limitations. Today, we’re saying a big thank you to them and inviting you to join in this heartwarming tradition of giving.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting a sun-ripened tomato or a crisp bunch of kale you’ve tended from seed to plant. But for these gardeners, the real magic happens when they share that bounty with someone in need. We’re proud to supply the healthy, thriving plants that help make their generosity possible. Here are a couple of stories from our GrowJoy community that show just how powerful a garden can be.
Rick Ritter, a combat veteran and retired trauma nurse, founded Dick’s Organics, a volunteer-driven non-profit farm on 7 acres in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Using sustainable methods and plants from GrowJoy.com, Rick grows thousands of pounds of organic veggies each year—everything from hearty squashes to vibrant greens. He donates this harvest to local soup kitchens, ensuring the most vulnerable in his community have access to fresh, healthy food. Beyond the crops, Rick’s farm is a haven for rescue animals and a training ground for aspiring gardeners. “Everyone deserves access to healthy, fresh food, regardless of their circumstances,” Rick says, and his work is a living testament to that belief.
Billy Grahg is a Wisconsin gardener with a big heart and a green thumb, thanks to the plants he gets from GrowJoy.com. From his home in Wisconsin, he grows an abundance of fresh vegetables—think juicy tomatoes, crisp peppers, and massive 16-inch zucchinis—and shares them generously with his neighbors, many of whom are older folks who savor the taste of homegrown produce. Billy also donates veggies to a veteran’s homeless shelter in his area. “I give away veggies every year, because I just enjoy helping others,” Billy says. For him, gardening is a passion that goes beyond the harvest: “I enjoy getting out there and seeing how much I can grow and how big I can get things to grow. Last year, I grew a 16-inch zucchini. Also, I know what I am growing is a lot healthier than what you can get in a store, and boy, it tastes so much better.” The real joy, though, comes from giving back. “I love seeing the smiles when I drop off a basket of fresh goods,” he adds. For Billy, gardening is as much about feeding his community as it is about the thrill of growing.
It’s not just individual gardeners making a difference, either. In the past, we’ve had the privilege of supporting community gardens that share this same spirit of generosity by donating veggie plants to get their efforts off the ground. One such place is Manna Meal in Charleston, West Virginia. Located at 422 Dickinson St., this community-run soup kitchen serves up to 400 well-balanced, nutritious meals every day—breakfast and lunch, 365 days a year, holidays included. In nearly 50 years of service, they’ve never missed a meal. Another is the Vallejo People’s Garden in Vallejo, California, where volunteers and partner organizations come together to grow organic fruits and veggies for those most in need. Beyond feeding the hungry, they promote health, educate kids and adults about sustainable practices, and foster connections across neighborhoods—all while beautifying their community. We’re proud to have played a small part in helping these gardens thrive, providing fresh produce where it’s needed most.
These gardeners and community efforts show us that a small patch of dirt—or even a few pots—can ripple out to make a difference. Whether it’s a bag of carrots for a local shelter or a few peppers for a neighbor with limited mobility, every donation counts. And it all starts with a single plant—grown with care, shared with love.
We’re grateful to these gardeners for growing with GrowJoy.com. Their stories are a testament to the power of home gardening and a nudge to all of us to think beyond our own fences. Want to get involved? It’s as simple as adding an extra tomato plant, a row of lettuce, or a handful of herbs to your next garden plan. Not sure where to start? Browse our collection of vegetable plants at GrowJoy.com—each one is nurtured to thrive in your garden and, if you’re inspired, to help someone else’s table too.
Have you ever grown extra to give away? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below. A single plant is more than just food—it can grow hope, connection, and community. Let’s keep this spirit of generosity growing, one plant at a time.
