Georgia Gardener Newsletter Design Tip

Georgia Gardener Newsletter Design Tip: April 30, 2009

Plant a Row for the Hungry

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Tomatoes in a raised bed

What began in 1995 as the brainchild of Garden Writers Association past president, Jeff Lowenfels, has blossomed into a nationwide effort where gardeners plant an extra row or donate surplus produce from their gardens to local food banks that help feed the hungry. For the last 8 years, over a million pounds per year of produce has been donated by gardeners to this worthy cause. In metro Atlanta, there are collection centers in the various counties where you can take your surplus produce.

It's really quite simple if you think about it. Thanks to our long growing season, even if you plant just a few tomato plants for your own use, you often get so many tomatoes that you can become quite sick of them. This also applies to peppers, cucumbers, beans, squash, peaches, apples, okra, etc. Even if you can and freeze your produce, more than likely you have plenty to share.

This is a great project for children, church groups, schools, scouts or other organizations that have access to open ground either on their premises or in the gardens of their members. Growing and donating food is very fulfilling on so many levels and it puts people in touch with the earth and outdoor environment.

Additional Information

Atlanta Community Food Bank
Metro Atlanta Donation Centers