Local gardeners are being encouraged to plant an extra row of vegetables and donate their harvest to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
The food bank has officially joined Plant a Row – Grow a Row in an effort to get more fresh vegetables for local families in need.
"People have been bringing us fresh vegetables for years but we’re trying to get more people involved in this program," said Kevin Warren, of the food bank. "We’re hoping that by spreading the word about Plant a Row – Grow a Row we’ll be able to bring in more fresh vegetables for our clients.
“Our clients mostly get canned fruits and vegetables and that’s OK, but there’s nothing quite like getting fresh fruit and vegetables."
Plant a Row – Grow a Row, has its roots in Winnipeg when a couple grew more potatoes than they needed and donated the excess to the food bank. The couple also encouraged their friends and neighbours to donate their surplus produce. Other cities across Canada and the United States have similar programs under different names.
Last year, the Centre Wellington Food Bank received some fresh fruit and vegetables, which Warren is hoping to boost through the new initiative. “More than 250 individuals visited the food bank last month,” he said.
To donate, bring produce in paper bags to the food bank at The Fergus Marketplace. 105 Queen Street West, Fergus, Tuesday mornings only, between 9am. and noon. For more information, call 787-1401.
