“Plant A Row For the Hungry” and Feed America Healthy Food – You Can Make A Difference!

This year I wanted to truly make a difference for my community with the garden and encourage people to grow their own vegetables. Locally grown food is the freshest, plus growing your veggies organically ensures your family has a    healthier meal on the table. Happily, I have taken it a step farther and joined the “Plant A Row For the Hungry” movement. 

The Garden Writers Association has built the wonderful food program called “Plant A Row For the Hungry.” Launched in 1995, Plant A Row is a fantastic organization which encourages gardeners to give surplus garden produce to local food banks, soup kitchens, and service organizations to help feed America's hungry.

Since its inception, Plant A Row and the Garden Writers Foundation has helped to organize concerned citizens across the United States. Amazingly, according to the Plant A Row website, “over 14 million pounds of produce providing over 50 million meals have been donated by American gardeners” through the Plant A Row organization. It has truly made a difference for thousands of families.

My extra row is intermingled in a 200’ perennial bed I have built as a community garden out behind my back fence. Above you can see I posted signs to reduce veggie robbery and let the community know I am donating the produce to help feed the hungry. Every day this garden inspires me to smile in my heart. It makes me feel fantastic to know that I am trying to make a difference.

You can make a difference for your community too – if you have produce you are not going to use, please donate it to a local food bank and help your community.

Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com

Comments

[jonathan]

Hello, gardening is a healthy and good activity. Moreover if you can plant healthy organic foods yourself.

[Shawna Coronado]

The senior apartment building idea is a really fantastic one. Way to go! This is what we need - more people joining together to help each other.

In my opinion, the world is such a difficult place and having a little help is a gift. It truly makes a difference in people's lives.

Thanks for this great idea!

Shawna

[babs m]

We tried a similar project, partnering with a senior apartment building where my father lives. Several of the tenants who don't have anywhere for a garden come to weed and help maintain our larger garden, and in exchange get a basket of fresh produce each week.

It's gone so well, my father has found a new place to garden next year, donated by a friend, and took several baskets from our garden to help convince others to join in. it feels good to join together to make everyone's lives a little better!

babs

[Julia]

You're amazing! Wow - it's gorgeous AND functional. This must be so rewarding for you!

Thanks for sharing!

[Naomi]

Shawna, that is lovely! Aesthetically pleasing and such a great charitable idea, too. Thanks for sharing.