Fresh, nutritious produce is always needed at soup kitchens, food pantries and other food-assistance programs. Connecticut Food Bank's "Plant A Row for the Hungry" (PAR) project encourages home and community gardeners to dedicate a row of produce in their gardens for donation to local hunger-relief efforts.
Through PAR, Connecticut Food Bank also works with local farmers' markets, farms and orchards to collect unsold, wholesome produce from them and distribute it to people in need.
History of Plant A Row for the Hungry
Launched in 1995 in Alaska, the Plant A Row program was developed by the Garden Writers Association of America to encourage gardeners everywhere to grow a little extra and donate the produce to local programs that serve people in need.
In Connecticut, PAR was launched in 2006 by Marilyn Wilkes, a Connecticut Food Bank volunteer and avid gardener, to help community food-assistance programs, such as food pantries and soup kitchens, provide more fresh produce for people who might otherwise go without.
By the end of 2006, PAR collected nearly 1,000 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs for use by CFB's member programs.
How to Get Involved
Connecticut Food Bank encourages all gardeners to get involved in planting a row for the hungry — whether you are just learning or have a seasoned green thumb. Gardens big and small can all yield a extra fresh produce for individuals and families in need.
Pictured are Linda Ball (left), of the City of Milford, with Marilyn Wilkes, Volunteer PAR Coordinator, at the Benson-Crump Community Gardens in Milford, where a number of gardeners participated in "Plant A Row for the Hungry."
All we ask is that you deliver your produce to a CFB warehouse or local food-assistance program (see below) and let CFB know that this donation is part of "Plant A Row for the Hungry," so we can keep track of all PAR donations.
CFB also asks farms and orchards to Plant A Row for the Hungry. Because of the amount of food they grow, farmers and growers can truly make a difference in the fight against hunger by designating one row of fruit trees or vegetable plants to a hunger-relief organization.
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What to Plant
Connecticut Food Bank and our member programs need firm, clean and durable vegetables such as:
| Beets |
Broccoli |
| Cabbage |
Carrots |
| Cauliflower |
Cucumbers |
| Eggplant |
Garlic |
| Green Beans |
Kale |
| Peppers |
Radishes |
| Spinach |
Squash (winter & summer) |
| Tomatoes |
Zucchini |
Herbs & flowers are also welcome.
Donations
To Local Programs
To donate freshly grown produce from your garden directly to a community hunger relief organization, please download the "Plant A Row" brochure: click here (PDF file will open). If you would like brochures mailed to you, please contact Chris Webb, Communications Coordinator, at (203) 469-5000, ext. 309, or cwebb@ctfoodbank.org.
To a CFB Warehouse
Clean, fresh produce can be delivered to a Connecticut Food Bank warehouse in East Haven, Fairfield or Waterbury. Click here for hours and directions. Be sure to mention that your donation is part of "Plant A Row for the Hungry." Your donation will be weighed and a receipt will be provided upon request. (Your food donation is tax-deductible. Check with your tax professional for details.)
Large donations
For larger donations of fresh produce, contact Marilyn Wilkes, Volunteer PAR Coordinator, at (203) 937-6939 to arrange a pick-up.
Contact Us
Home & Community Gardeners and Farmers' Markets
Marilyn Wilkes
Volunteer PAR Coordinator
(203) 937-6939
Farms & Orchards
Laura Falanga
CFB Procurement Assistant
(203) 469-5000, ext. 331
lfalanga@ctfoodbank.org
General PAR Information
Chris Webb
CFB Communications Coordinator
(203) 469-5000, ext. 309
cwebb@ctfoodbank.org
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