At this time of year we hear many stories of businesses and non-profit organizations that feed the needy in our community. We are most fortunate to have this collective effort and outpouring of caring in our region. This year I initiated a grass roots effort to feed our local hungry. Sponsored by my Garden Writer’s Association’s: Plant A Row for the Hungry, I was able to partner home gardeners, passionate about growing produce, to share a portion of their crops with our local food pantry at the Franklin Community Center here in Saratoga Springs.
As an avid gardener, I have always been interested in ways for individuals who love their gardens to celebrate their time, talents and harvest for the good of our community at large. But life/work responsibilities often do not allow the home gardener to volunteer within the constraints of organizations. This year’s Plant A Row for the Hungry project actually gave the Saratoga Region home gardener the chance to engage within the limits of their individual time and resources while “getting some skin in the game” The joy of seeing the outcome of their labors going to help many in our community was rewarding for those involved.
For the program’s inaugural year 613 pounds of produce was donated to the food pantry with 14 garden owners contributing! The harvest included beets, tomatoes, beans, peppers, zucchini, squash, hot peppers, eggplant, lettuce, kale and herbs. These donations allowed the food pantry to leverage existing healthy eating programs already in place. One donation recipient said: “Not only is my nutrition better, at the end of the month I can pay my utility bill”.
Feedback by this year’s participants was positive: “What an excellent idea and concept. I enjoy giving back to the community, but struggle to find the time because of work and personal hobbies taking up so much time…so this was a perfect mesh of hobbies and contribution all in one!”
I would love to expand our participation base next year. Perhaps members of your garden club; church, community organization, school or family members would like to Plant A Row in 2017. This is a great kid friendly, “get your hands dirty” family centered program! Kids can feel pride in their garden work and their personal contribution to help those in need throughout our community. Lets double our efforts next year! Would love to have you join me in the program as we expand the meaning of “sustainable gardening” to “sustaining” our community at large.
Wishing you the blessings and bounty of this 2016 Thanksgiving Season!
