© Janet Davis
Regretfully, we
are all too aware that hunger continues to be a serious problem, not just in
big cities, but in small towns and rural areas too. Most of us who have contributed
to or volunteered at food banks understand the need for non-perishable staple
items, but 
there’s a
big requirement every day for fresh produce too.
In the growing season, gardeners can make a real difference.
The Plant a Row For the Hungry Program started in 1995 as a public service campaign by the Garden Writers’ Association of America. It mushroomed throughout the United States as gardeners found out how easy and rewarding it is to make a difference in society, merely by planting an extra row or two of vegetables to harvest especially for food banks or soup kitchens. In spring 2000, Canada launched own program.
Plant a Row – Grow a Row (Un Rang Pour Ceux Qui Ont Faim) is a people-helping-people program to assist in feeding the hungry members of our own communities. Says Julia Bass, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Food Banks, “A number of communities in Canada have already been participating in this program. However, we’re delighted that now Plant a Row – Grow a Row will be introduced across Canada by The Composting Council of Canada and the Canadian members of the Garden Writers Association of America (GWAA), with the support of local businesses, municipalities, community groups, master gardeners and, of course, the local food banks.”
What
You Can Do
So if you’re a vegetable gardener, this message goes out to you. Each spring, when you plant your carrots, beans, peppers, cabbages, cauliflowers, potatoes, melons and all those other vegetables and fruits that provide a healthful bounty for your summer table, consider planting an extra row or two for those in our communities who lack the resources to feed themselves. (If you’ve already done your planting for the season, consider sharing some of the yield.) If you grow apples, peaches pears or plums, think about filling a bushel basket at harvest time to donate to local food distribution agencies that serve people in need. And if there are cheerful summer flowers in your garden, you could add some of those to your donation to bring a little colour into soup kitchens, or to cheer the staff at food banks.
For more information on how Plant a Row – Grow a Row works in your area, call this toll-free number: 1-877-571-GROW(4769). Whether you’re in Vancouver or Vaudreuil, they’ll show you how you and your vegetable garden can make a big difference in society. Or just call your local food bank and find out how to go about donating what you can give.