For those prepping their summer gardens, you could help feed the hungry.
The Plant a Row for the Hungry Program asks that gardeners plant an extra row of fruits or veggies, and then donate the harvest to local food banks.
The program, which started in 1995, has helped collect more than 20 million pounds of produce. It’s provided more than 80 million meals from American gardeners to those less fortunate.
Sedgwick County joined the program in 2000, said Janel Leatherman with the Sedgwick County Master Gardener Extension Program.
“In 14 years, we have collected over 150,000 pounds of produce in the Sedgwick County Area and we would love to maybe get that up to 600,000 pounds locally,” she said.
According to the Plant a Row for the Hungry program, more than 49 million Americans live in food insecure households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger daily. The program helps bridge the gap, giving families much-needed items for their dinner tables.
HOW TO HELP
1. Plant an extra row in your garden no matter what the size. This will help feed the hungry in your community.
2. Plant vegetables and fruits that travel well and are good keepers. Those include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peas, green beans, tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants, summer squash, zucchini squash, winter squash, onions, beets, apples and pears. Herbs are also welcome.
3. Harvest and thoroughly clean your produce.
WHERE TO DONATE
The Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas
Augusta Ace Home Center 316 W. 7th Ave., Augusta
Brady Nursery, 11200 W. Kellogg
Hillside Nursery, 2200 S. Hillside
Hillside Feed and Seed, 1805 S. Hillside
Johnson’s Garden Centers, 6225 E. Shadybrook or 2707 W 13th
Valley Feed & Seed, 1903 S. Meridian
Woodard Mercantile, 4160 N. Maize Road, Maize