Cheap Charity: Plant a Row for the Hungry

The first warm winds of spring have finally arrived here in Ohio. It's a welcome reprieve from an unusually cold winter. For those of us with green tendencies, it also heralds a new season of outdoor work. Leaves need to be raked, soil needs to be tilled, and mulch needs to be spread. It will be at least another 6 weeks before the seedlings can safely be planted, officially kicking off our season of homegrown vegetables and fruits.But that doesn't mean our thoughts haven't turned to the fruits our gardens can bear. In these tough economic times, your garden could give back even more. If you, like me, are prone to growing edible goodies in your garden, an easy way to turn your efforts into a good deed for your community is to participate in Plant a Row for the Hungry. The program, a project of the Garden Writers Association, has resulted in at least 14 million pounds of homegrown produce being donated to food pantries nationwide. Food banks are in dire straits these days; just as donations have fallen, need has risen. Even in good times, many do not have the money to provide much fresh produce to the people they serve. Your local food bank would love to have some of your fresh veggies and fruits.

Participation is easy. Donate your extra garden-grown produce to your local food bank. If you'd like to multiply your return, ask your neighbors or your neighborhood assocation to participate as well.