Plant a Row for the Hungry, or PAR, is a people-helping-people program to feed the hungry in local communities. Launched in 1995, this innovative public service campaign was developed by the Garden Writers Association (GWAA) to encourage gardeners to grow a little extra and donate the produce to local charities, such as the Covington Food Bank, that serve the hungry and homeless.
The Food Bank depends on charitable donations to help provide food and services to the poor in our community. By donating directly to the Food Bank, gardeners are helping those in need stretch their meager resources.
Sharing can happen on many levels. Home gardeners, commercial growers, schools, church groups, youth and community organizations, and area businesses can all help make a difference for our neighbors who experience hunger.
Donating can be easy and fun! When you plant your garden this spring, plant an additional row (or even just an extra plant) for giving. Even if your garden consists of ornamentals, or a planter on a balcony or deck, add a few herbs. Herbs are welcome because they add nutrients as well as flavor to food. Whatever you can give is appreciated! If you regularly plant too much, the excess will mean a great deal to our community food bank. PAR also encourages you to share flowers with food bank staffers and volunteers. What better way to lighten up their day!
The produce the Food Bank needs most is firm, clean fruits and vegetables. If your fruit trees bear more than you can consume, consider donating the rest. Also, if you have fruit trees and are unable to harvest the fruit, contact PAR at the number bellow to see if they can arrange a group of volunteers to come pick your trees or bushes for donating.
Bring cleaned produce to the Covington Food Bank, 840 N. Columbia Street during operational hours to donate. Your donation will be added to PAR’s national totals; its goal is over one million pounds of produce this year!
For more information about PAR, contact Virginia Bessent at 892-5447 or Paula Souhlas at 705-5179, or call their toll-free hotline (877) 492-2727.
