SMETHPORT — Penn State Extension in McKean County is seeking support from area businesses and groups for a garden program that helps county residents develop their own gardens to grow their own food.

The Master Gardener Program has demonstration gardens in Bradford (Crook Farm), Smethport (Donald J. Comes Natural Resource Center) and Sybil Kane Perennial Gardens in Kane. Master Gardener coordinator Gloria Wilson said the organization’s mission is to educate the public using research-based information on. best practices in consumer horticulture and environmental stewardship.

“At the gardens in Bradford and Smethport, we grow vegetables and donate them to local food pantries,” Wilson said. “We have a program called Seed to Supper that targets individuals who face food insecurity.”

Classes allow participants who would benefit from the program to attend a six-week beginning gardening class, and the receive the necessary supplies to grow vegetables at their home. The upcoming year will be the second year for the program, which is free, and the Extension provides ongoing support.

Wilson said the garden program also supports educational programs with community youth and schools in the county.

“We are completely self-sufficient, which basically means that any programs we do within the county are supported by our volunteer fundraising efforts,” Wilson said. “We are proud of the manhours of our 38 volunteers who donated almost 2,000 hours last year.”

The Extension is hoping to secure sponsors for the Seed to Supper program and other costs associated with spreading garden knowledge. All support will be acknowledged publicly through the Extension office in Smethport.

Contact Wilson at 88-5613 ext. 208 or email gjw5260@psu.edu.