ROCKFORD, ILL [August 6, 2021]—The garden harvest season has begun, and along with that, so has the “Plant A Row for the Hungry” initiative. Local gardeners can donate excess fruits and vegetables at drop-off sites throughout Winnebago County. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have been leading the program locally for over 20 years, and this year is no different than any other.

“Our purpose is to provide those less fortunate with access to fresh produce during the heart of the growing season,” explains Margaret Larson, County Extension Director. “Since the start of the program here in Winnebago County in 2001, over 200,000 pounds of produce has been collected and donated. In 2017, almost 27,000 pounds was donated. I’m hoping that we’ll beat that amount this year—it’s already shaping up to a good start!”

The Plant a Row for the Hungry Summer Kick-Off event was held on Wednesday, July 21 during the Edgebrook Farmers Market. Master Gardeners were on-hand to accept and weigh the donations of fresh fruits and vegetables and to promote the program to both the vendors and shoppers.

“We had a great turn-out,” says Margaret. “Lots of people stopped by to donate items from their gardens—some were first-timers and others we see donating every year. We even had some local TV crews covering the event.”

Along with garden donations from members of the community, the Master Gardeners also have community gardens dedicated to growing produce including several at our community centers.

 “As a master gardener, one of my most rewarding projects is to work on the committee that coordinates the Plant a Row for the Hungry program in Winnebago County,” explains Ann Somers. “With Extension staff, we are working to promote the concept to all area gardeners: ‘If you have too much produce, don’t force it on neighbors and family; instead, donate it through the Plant a Row effort.’ This way, fresh produce ends up in the kitchens of families in need.”

Popular garden vegetables for donation include tomato, zucchini, corn, winter squash, potato, onion, peppers, cucumbers, melon, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potato, carrots and beans. Popular fruits include strawberries, raspberries and apples. Don’t forget, herbs are also accepted, especially basil, parsley, cilantro, and dill.

There are six different drop-off sites within Winnebago County. Local gardeners can bring their excess produce to any of the following locations:

Year-Round Drop-off Sites:

• University of Illinois Extension Office, 1040 N Second Street, Rockford
• Rock River Valley Pantry, 421 S. Rockton Ave, Rockford
• Winnebago-Boone Farm Bureau, 1925 S. Meridian Rd, Rockford

Seasonal Drop-off Sites (now through the end of September):

• Cherry Valley Public Library, 755 E. State St., Cherry Valley, Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
• Edgebrook Farmers Market, Corner of Alpine and Highcrest Roads, Rockford, Wednesdays from 11 am to 1 pm
• The Landscape Connection, 4472 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, Monday through Sunday during store hours.

For more information about University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners or the Plant a Row for the Hungry program, visit go.illinois.edu/jsw or contact the Winnebago Extension office at 815-986-4357.

Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in program and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the program coordinator. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.

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Photos Included. Caption:
Join the ‘Plant a Row’ initiative and donate extra garden produce to one of the 6 drop-off sites throughout Winnebago County.

Sources:
         Margaret Larson, County Extension Director, University of Illinois Extension, phone: 815-235-4125, email: mklarson@illinois.edu.
          Ann Somers, Winnebago Master Gardener, University of Illinois Extension, phone: 815-986-4357

Writer: Jen Schultz, Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension, phone: 815-235-4125, email: js80@illinois.edu

About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions and adapt to changes and opportunities.