No Longer Dormant: The Spring Thaw

While it may have seemed farfetched a few days ago, today the signs are unmistakable: spring really is right around the corner.  The greenhouse here at the farm is filling up with seedlings and the rich smell of good, healthy dirt. Robins are taking over my backyard on a daily basis. I spent too much money last night on an ambitious pile of seed packets and my fingers are itching to rip them open. These are signs of spring, I’m sure of it. 
 
I’m also sure that many of you are now in the planning stages for your own gardens – backyard, container or otherwise. Whatever the case may be, if you’re tending to a garden this year, I want to ask you for a favor.

Will you join the Local Food Hub in our effort to provide fresh, local, nutritious vegetables and fruit to those who really need it? Will you Plant a Row for the Hungry?

The idea is really quite simple: when you’re deep in the midst of planning and planting this spring, will you add just one extra row to your garden and donate the fruits of your labor to those who are in need?

Details on how it all works are forthcoming. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on the heavy lifting and the logistics; we’ll even get your produce to the food banks and pantries in our area. Right now, I just want to know if you’ll join us.

This is an easy (and fun) way to make a big difference in the health of our community with just a small amount of effort. And the possibilities are endless: get your kids outside, challenge your neighbors, involve your school, your friends or your coworkers. The more people on board, the less weeding you’ll have to do (!) – and the more food we can get to those who need it.

Please respond as soon as possible if you are interested in joining us: email me at emily@localfoodhub.org.

But wait! Don’t have space for a garden? Green thumb not so green? We could still use your help getting the word out, gathering resources and coordinating logistics. Please let me know if you’d like to join the Plant a Row for the Hungry Committee.

Whether you’re a first time gardener or an experienced farmhand, we’re looking forward building a Plant a Row team – and seeing what you can do!

Here’s to a fruitful, generous (and delicious) spring and summer...

image credit: Our Enchanted Garden/Creative Commons