Gardens of eatin'

Salt shakers
July 2001

Gardens of eatin'
Would Jesus buy an SUV?

Gardens of eatin'
Six years ago the Garden Writers Association of America realized it could put the fruits of its labor to good use.

If it convinced gardeners across the country to plant just one extra row each season, and donate that produce to their local food banks or soup kitchens, more people might have enough to eat. It called the program "Plant a Row for the Hungry," and in the last six years it has donated more than 2 million pounds of fresh produce.

"This provides an avenue for the 70 million gardeners in this country to help the 31 million people who go hungry," says Carol Ledbetter, program administrator for the Plant a Row campaign. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors report for 2000, 17 percent of emergency food requests went unfulfilled in 1999, Ledbetter points out. "Most gardeners have extra produce that could benefit the people in their local communities," she says.

Plant a Row encourages any type of gardener to get involved; individuals with small backyard plots, community or church gardeners, professionals, and even those who grow potted herbs can contribute, Ledbetter says. She suggests gardeners contact their local food agencies if they're not sure what to grow, but says vegetables, fruits, and herbs are all appreciated. "Flowers make such a difference in people's morale too," she adds.

Through Plant a Row, gardeners donated almost 1.3 million pounds of produce in 2000 alone, nearly matching their contributions from the past four years combined. "It's really on the upswing," Ledbetter says. She attributes the growth to an increase in publicity. In 1999 Home and Garden Television joined the campaign as a media sponsor and in many communities local newspapers are lending their support as well.

To learn how to plant your own row for the hungry, contact Ledbetter at 877-GWAA-PAR (492-2727) or par@gwaa.org.—Anne Graber

For more info:
Garden Writers Association of America
Plant a Row for the Hungry
Home and Garden Television

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