Rising food and nutrition insecurity across the U.S. poses a significant health concerns. Despite the expansion of federal support and food aid programs, insecurity persists. This dissertation asks about the extent to which national funding initiatives and local emergency food organizations as mediated by the university-based agriculture Extension system may addressed and failed to address the increase in hunger. This three-article dissertation format examines efficacy and sustainability of food pantry nutrition education curricula and volunteer-based fruit and vegetable donation gardens in times of relative stability and in times of crisis, as exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the collection of articles examines challenges to program and character related to various stakeholders' participation in planning and implementation. Methods include document review, systematic review and a meta-analysis, and content analysis. The first article, a document review of a statewide Extension Master Gardener food donation garden program in Iowa, found that patrons were largely uninvolved in program planning and decision making. The second article, a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on nutrition education related to fresh produce, found that nutrition education had a positive effect on fruit intake but not on vegetable intake; it likewise found participants were seldom involved in curriculum design and implementation. The third article, a mixed-method study examining master gardener participation in fruit and vegetable production and donation before and during COVID-19, found the pandemic years marked a decrease in volunteering and donations, associated with social distancing. Improved understanding of the social and educational factors at the root of hunger will better inform policy makers, Extension educators, and local food aid organizations to improve the efficacy and sustainability of food security and nutrition education programming. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]