DawsonTimes.com

The economy has taken a toll on most of us. Food pantries are reporting record numbers of food requests, and supply is low. You can help by participating in Plant a Row for the Hungry. 

If you have a garden, please consider Planting a Row for the Hungry. “Plant a Row” was started by the Garden Writer’s Association to encourage gardeners to plant a little extra to help those in need.
          
The Plant a Row for the Hungry program encourages people to plant an extra row in their garden and donate it to local food banks. The Place in neighboring Cumming  (770-887-1098) is a local drop-off point for fresh produce. The Place reported that 1,157 pounds of produce was donated last year, and that “none of it went to waste” according to Marilyn Post of The Place.
      
Have a small garden? It doesn’t have to be a lot at one time. Take your veggies to where they’ll be put to good use.  The Place accepts fresh produce donations 8-11:45 a.m., Monday through Saturday for distribution through its Surplus Food Room.

If you don’t know how to garden, I will be teaching Grow Your Own Vegetables at the Cumming Recreation Department, 410 Pilgrim Mill Rd. on Thursday morning, March 19, from 10:30- Noon. Call 770-781-2030 for registration information. The cost is $15.  Participants will receive a free “Plant a Row” marker and some vegetable seeds.

No Garden? No Problem! On the following Thursday, March 26, I will be teaching a class on vegetable gardening in containers, again at the Cumming Parks & Recreation Department. The class will be repeated at the Master Gardener plant sale booth on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m.

Stretch your own food dollars, and have nutritious, pesticide-free vegetables for your family and for others. Gardening is fun, and it’s a great family activity, too.
 
Daryl Pulis
770-475-2493
dp2413@comcast.net

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