One of their great programs is Plant A Row (PAR) that was designed to create and sustain a grassroots program for garden writers to use their local media position to encourage readers/listeners to donate surplus garden produce to local food banks, soup kitchens, and service organizations to help feed America's hungry. PAR provides focus, direction, and support to local volunteer committees who execute the programs. The program has produced great benefits given that American gardeners have donated over 14 million pounds of herbs and vegetables to feed the hungry in our local neighborhoods and communities since 1995.
Chances are that you already have your garden planted for the summer so the option of adding a row is out for you at this point in time. Perhaps you can contribute to PAR next summer and add a row to your garden to help feed those in your local community. Thinking out of the box, perhaps we at FELC could enact our own program this summer called "dedicate a row" and pledge to give up a small percentage of the bounty that is sure to come from our gardens. I know that I planted far too many zucchini plants this year and will take the lead and donate all that comes from one and perhaps two of the plants from my small garden to the local food shelter. Perhaps you planted a vegetable and/or herb garden at your school to teach students how to plant, harvest, prep, and serve fresh vegetables which is a great teaching tool. Why not go one step farther and teach them social responsibility and take a basket of vegetables to the local food bank or perhaps prepare a meal that could be served at a homeless shelter.
If we all did the same it would make a real difference in the lives of those who have fallen on hard times and wondering where they will be getting the next meal to feed themselves and/or their families. As Rocky Balboa might say, "Grow for it!"
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