"Plant a Row for the Hungry" program

[Buff Shallots]

Just a thought for those of us rich in soil, and ability & inclination to toil:


What Is Plant A Row
for the Hungry (PAR)?

Plant A Row for the Hungry is a people-helpingpeople
program designed to assist in feeding the
hungry in their own community. Launched in 1995,
this national public service campaign was developed
by the Garden Writers Association (GWA) to
encourage gardeners to grow a little extra and donate
the produce to local soup kitchens and food banks
that serve the homeless and hungry. Additionally,
PAR provides training, support and materials to help
ensure successful local volunteer campaigns that have
a lasting impact.


You Can Make A
Difference Through PAR!
PAR is rooted in the heartfelt tradition of gardeners
sharing a bountiful harvest with others. Sharing can
happen on many levels. Home gardeners, schools,
church groups, youth and community organizations and
area businesses can all help make a difference for their
neighbors who experience hunger or the threat of hunger.


As an Individual You
Can Make a Difference:
Plant or glean vegetables, fruit, herbs or flowers.
Deliver the harvest to a food agency near you.
Give a PAR brochure to anyone who could help.

All gifts are tax deductible and
should be mailed to:
Plant A Row for the Hungry
GWA Foundation
10210 Leatherleaf Court
Manassas, VA 20111

For information about the benefits of becoming a valued
PAR sponsor, please contact us by telephone at 877.
GWAA.PAR or e-mail PAR@gardenwriters.org
For more information, call toll free : 877.492.2727 or e-mail: PAR@gardenwriters.org

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

This sounds like a great program Buff!

Something like this could be really useful in our community. As it is right now, we volunteer tons of ours into the urban gardens we have throughout the city and give tons of our produce away to local organizations. But this sounds like a great way to really get involved.

Great post!

-Carlos

 

[ams3651]

I actually was going to contact people at our local food give away to see if I could donate produce, I didnt know something like this existed. I usually just give to neighbors. But my health this year wont even allow enough to keep us but I will definately keep it in mind, thanks for sharing.

 

[Tutter]

Yes, the towns in our county have such a program for the food banks. Some of us prefer to branch out to other groups, like the senior centers etc., and you can ask an org. if they accept produce from people with home gardens.

Also, we have a school garden program. They are trying to see how much of the school lunches can come from their own garden, while making it a learning tool.

There are so many good things we can do with the space and inclination.

Thanks for starting this thread.

 

[Backyard Buddies]

That's wonderful! I love all these ideas and look forward to more that are bound to come through on this thread.

This is very much what we're doing with the church garden. We initially started with the idea of giving toward Second Harvest Food Bank, but then found another organization that was even more needy. In all likelihood, we'll do both as well as have produce available onsite to provide for the needy folks who seek help each week at the church door. This is greatly needed right now. At a time when more folks are tightening their belts, the food banks are receiving fewer items to provide for a greater number of people. I'm of the firm belief that no single one of us needs to feel that it's our job to save the world, but together we can do amazing things! Plant on . . .

 

[Buff Shallots]

I've always thought this was a good program. Our local foodbank only takes non-perishables, which my husband and I contribute to through our church's food baskets. Our nearest large town (where most of the outreach programs are) is 45 minutes away.