Plant a Row for the Hungry
Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is an effort that encourages those who grow vegetables and fruit in excess of their own needs to donate that excess to food distribution centers or soup kitchens. In addition, gardeners who are able are encouraged to plan for an extra row of produce in their gardens for the purpose of donation. The national PAR program was started by the Garden Writers Association in 1995, but the Mid-Willamette Valley PAR program is a combined effort of both the Garden Writers and the Benton County Master Gardeners.
Our goal is to increase food insecurity awareness in our community while distributing much neded fresh and healthy food. Since 1997 the Linn Benton Food Share has seen a 57% increase in requests for emergency food (Linn Benton Food Share), but many food distribution centers are reporting a decrease in donations.
2009 Donation Sites
Albany-Sweet Home Donation Sites
Plant a Row (PAR) for the Hungry Pledge
Click here to pledge To PAR or for more information
A pledge consists of one of the following: Plant an extra row and/or donate excess produce for those in our community who are food insecure and/or Deliver the produce to local food pantries which offer food to those who are food insecure.
