AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 12-17. Iowa’s 100 county extension offices will host activities throughout the week to thank Iowans for their support of extension efforts throughout the state.

“The challenges of the past year changed how ISU Extension and Outreach serves Iowans, but not why: We want a strong Iowa. We are here for you now and always,” said county director, Cheryl Bruene.

“ISU Extension and Outreach engages Iowans in solving today’s problems and planning for tomorrow. We will continue finding new ways to deliver research-based education and information to Iowans,” Bruene said.

The nine-member council recently voted to focus programming on increasing financial security and food access in the coming year. With those goals in mind, volunteers were recruited to help provide free income tax preparation assistance (VITA) in February and March. It is the intention to make it a yearly service for the people of Tama county.

Tama County Master Gardeners will be distributing free tree seedlings in 8 communities starting May 1 to help replace trees lost during the derecho. Free seed libraries are being established at the public libraries in Gladbrook and Toledo to distribute garden seeds and growing information.

An open house at the Extension office on May 3 and May 7 will share information about the opportunity for you to help increase fresh food access at the food pantries through “Grow Another Row”. Stop by the office those days and sign up to become a volunteer grower. Tomato plants and seeds will be given to those signing up, with produce grown being donated to county food pantries. Join in on the excitement and help make a difference in access to fresh foods for those who need it.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.

For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office, 203 W. High St., Toledo. 641-484-2703.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.