The Comal Master Gardeners Association donated a record 6,100 pounds of produce to area food banks in 2017, exceeding last year's record of 5,200 pounds.

“Most of these smaller food banks do not get fresh produce, so this is a big help for the people they serve,” said Sam Norris, who coordinates the efforts of the group. “It’s a great feeling to be able to do so much for fellow Comal County residents in need.”
 
Members of the Comal Master Gardeners Association volunteer their time growing food in the demonstration garden at the Comal County office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. More than 24,000 pounds of produce have been donated since the garden was established in 2011, according to Troy Luepke, extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Comal County.

The association donates tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, squash and more to five area food banks—two in New Braunfels and one each in Bulverde, Spring Branch and Canyon Lake.
 
Comal County provides space for the garden as well as office services for the gardeners.
 
“Part of our mission is to educate the community on the fun and importance of growing your own food, and the Master Gardeners are a perfect fit with that,” Luepke said. “We’re proud to help them provide food to so many county residents.”