In 1995 the Garden Writers Association of America initiated the Plant A Row for the Hungry (PAR) 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Over the last 15 years of PAR, gardeners in the U.S. and Canada along with plenty of volunteers have made donating over 14 million pounds of produce possible.
The Plant A Row program encourages gardeners to grow an extra row in their personal garden or community garden plot then donate that row to local soup kitchens and food pantries serving the homeless and hungry. You can plant any foods you like in your row then simply deliver the harvest to a local food agency in your area.
Businesses can take it one step further and sponsor PAR, contribute “in-kind” donations or even organize a company-wide PAR campaign. Individuals can also organize bigger efforts in their community with the local campaign brochure.
Right now, many garden companies are supporting the 2010 campaign with special seed deals. Territorial Seed, for example is giving away one free “plant a row” package of carrot seeds with all 2010 purchases. Check with other garden and seed shops to see if they’re offering free seeds as well.
Visit Plant A Row for the Hungry for more info.
Post from: Blisstree