Plant A Row For The Hungry
Plant
a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is a people helping-people program
designed to assist in feeding the hungry in one’s own community.
Launched in 1995, this national program developed by the Garden
Writer’s Association of America, encourages gardeners to
grow a little extra and donate the produce to local nutrition
programs, soup kitchens, and food banks that serve the homeless
and hungry.
PAR’s mission is to provide an avenue through which individuals (gardeners in particular) and corporations can assist America’s most vulnerable citizens and the food agencies serving them.
Wouldn’t you like to play a part?
In 2005 alone, 1.4 million pounds of home-grown produce was donated to food banks and shelters, resulting in meals for more than 5.5 million people.*
What can you do?
You can plant a little extra or share the extra you have. You dedicate one row of your garden to the program (or commit to donating some of your extra produce.) At harvest time you bag up your yield and drop it off at one of the designated areas.
What should you grow?
Vegetables and herbs that travel well and store well are most useful —- broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peas, green beans, onions, winter squash, spinach, tomatoes, Swiss chard, beets, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, summer squash (that includes zucchini!!!), apples, pears, etc. . Herbs are also welcome.
Where should you drop it off?
Contact Lutie Batt, Master Gardener and Community Educator, at (585) 786-2251 for more information
*USA Weekend 3/10-12/06