Plant a Row For the Hungry

Plant a Row for the Hungry is a volunteer-based program that aims to provide fresh food to places that feed the hungry. It has been a presence since the Garden Writers Association launched it in 1995 and has been active in the northern Virginia area since around 2000.

The Master Gardeners of Prince William County keep Plant a Row alive every spring and summer by collecting leftover food from the Manassas and Dale City farmers markets when they’re done selling each week. After collection, the food is promptly brought to SERVE and ACTS in trucks provided by volunteers.

“The market vendors are generous. They know us, understand where their donation is going and thank us for helping,” said Master Gardener Jeanne Mitchell.

"This year we've partnered with Lions Club, they've provided us with extra trucks and manpower," said Plant a Row coordinator Nancy Berlin.

Another service the Master Gardeners offer while working on this project are clinics they hold at the farmers markets to help people with gardening questions.

However, true to its name, Plant a Row does involve planting. The Master Gardeners keep a “Teaching Garden” at the Benedictine Monastery. This garden has multiple functions. The food grown in the garden is donated to feed the hungry, and it’s a place for Master Gardeners to teach people how to grow vegetables.

The planting extends beyond the garden; volunteers are encouraged to plant a row in their own garden. The idea is that if every gardener plants a row to donate, they can make a big impact on hunger.

 “It’s a very rewarding project to participate in,” said horticulture agent Paige Thacker. “You know that all of the hard work and running around at the market will benefit those who wouldn’t normally be able to have fresh produce. The food banks just aren’t staffed to be able to do this too. They have come to rely on us to supplement food and save the canned food for the winter months.”

Berlin said that a Master Gardener in Gainesville plants extra in his field and gives seeds away for people to plant in their own gardens.

"I just think it's a great way for volunteers to share the wealth with those less fortunate," Berlin said.

Plant a Row for the Hungry has provided over 14 million pounds of produce for the hungry since it began. The project goes from April until the end of the growing season, when the donation of canned foods becomes necessary.

“One Thursday this spring with tornado warnings and a heads up that few vendors remained at the market, we canceled the collection,” said Mitchell. “Still two volunteers stopped by the market and collected 70 pounds of goods from the remaining three vendors and delivered it to SERVE.”