Large Seed Donation Expands Queen Anne’s County Seed Swap Program

​A major seed donation is helping expand a local gardening program that supports food security across the region.

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has donated roughly 33,000 seed packets valued at more than $60,000 to the University of Maryland Extension Queen Anne’s County Master Gardener program. Organizers say the donation is the largest in the history of the county’s annual Seed Swap.

The seeds will be distributed during two upcoming public events and through a network of Master Gardener programs, food pantries, school gardens, community gardens and libraries across Maryland.

Residents are invited to attend the free Seed Swap events:
• Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Queen Anne’s County Library – Kent Island Branch in Stevensville.
• Wednesday, March 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Queen Anne’s County Library – Centreville Branch.
Seeds will be available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers say participants do not need to bring seeds to attend, though labeled donations are welcome.

Rachel Rhodes, horticulture agent associate and Master Gardener coordinator for University of Maryland Extension in Queen Anne’s County, says the donation will help families grow fresh food while supporting community food access efforts.

Any seeds remaining after the public events will be distributed through Master Gardener programs statewide and local food assistance organizations on the Mid-Shore.
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The program is organized by Queen Anne’s County Master Gardener volunteers and community partners.