2010 Plant a Row for the Hungry

Now Everyone Can Help Story County's Hungry Receive Fresh Produce through Plant a Row for the Hungry

For the past six years, Plant a Row for the Hungry volunteers have collected and distributed fresh produce in Story Country. Farmers' market vendors, the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station and home gardeners donated locally-grown produce that went to Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS), Bethesda Community Food Pantry, Food at First (First United Methodist Church community meals) and Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) Food Pantry.

This year Plant a Row (PAR) volunteers are asking the Story Country community to help in the effort to provide nutritious locally-grown produce to these four agencies.

On the second and fourth Saturdays beginning June 12, shoppers at the North Grand Farmers' Market can purchase produce to donate or they can contribute cash to purchase produce most needed by the four agencies. Volunteers from ACCESS, Food at First and the two food pantries, as well as community residents, will be at a table at the farmers' market to accept donations.

Plant a Row volunteers will accept clean, quality fruits and vegetables from home gardeners on Mondays, June 14 through September 20 between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m. at the Reiman Gardens maintenance building.

Last year the Story County PAR effort collected and distributed 4,209 pounds of fresh produce. This year's goal is to top 5,000 pounds. With the help of the entire community, we hope to increase distribution so low-income residents can have more nutritious and healthy foods in a state known for rich soil and quality food production.

Plant a Row for the Hungry Committee

Linda Naeve and Lynette Spicer, Coordinators

Dick DeMoss, North Grand Farmers' Market

Debbie Gitchell, Story County Master Gardener

Lisa Harmison, Ames Garden Club

Marianne Klinsky, Story County Master Gardener

Josh Kriz, United Ames

Shelly McQueeney, ACCESS

Anita Maher Lewis, Story County Master Gardener

Diane Nelson, Bethesda Community Food Pantry

Deb Niehof, Volunteer

Carol Simms-Davis, MICA

Scott Walker, Food at First