Zillions of zucchinis, tons of tomatoes, and cartloads of carrots are just examples of the produce that can be donated to Plant a Row (PAR) for the Hungry. Plant a Row provides a much-needed outlet for vegetable gardeners to donate their over-abundance of produce, which helps to meet the increasing demand on local food pantries. This is a project of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Winnebago County, who have spearheaded this campaign since the early 2000s.

Plant a Row encourages gardeners to “plant an extra row” of veggies in their gardens with the intent of donating that extra produce to provide fresh vegetables to those in need. Home gardeners can drop off their surplus garden produce to several participating locations throughout Winnebago County, including the U of I Extension Office at 1040 N 2nd Street, the Winnebago County Farm Bureau at 1925 South Meridian Road, Rock River Valley Food Pantry at 421 S Rockton Ave, Durand Square at 421 Center Street, Cherry Valley Public Library at 755 East State Street, Cherry Valley, The Landscape Connection at 4472 South Mulford Road, Edgebrook Farmer’s Market at Edgebrook Shopping Center, and Talcott Library at 101 E Main Street, Rockton.                     

All fresh produce brought in by local gardeners is donated to local food pantries. Ann Somers is a Master Gardener who has been a committee member for many years. “I am committed to helping with Plant a Row every summer,” she stated, “as it is a great way for our gardening community to help those in need.” Ann and other Master Gardeners work with the donation locations to ensure that produce is delivered and distributed immediately. Donation sites weigh donations as they come in, and each year, thousands of pounds of donations of fruit and vegetables are logged.                                         

If you have any questions about Plant a Row for the Hungry, contact University of Illinois Extension – Winnebago County at (815) 986-4357 or visit the website.