Gardening for Good

In April 2019, Retreat, Stuff by Cindy Whitt2 Comments

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When you’re planting your garden this spring, consider adding a row to help feed families in need. Plant a Row for the Hungry is a national program that encourages gardeners and community groups to donate produce to those at risk of hunger.

Logan’s Garden Shop, a nursery in Seaboard Station, got involved with the program last year to inspire locals with green thumbs to help fight food insecurity through gardening.

“The Logan family saw a need in our community and had a strong desire to help feed families that were struggling to get fresh produce on their tables,” says Joy Sweeney, the store’s project manager.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, a nonprofit that distributes food to low-income families in seven North Carolina counties, is the local affiliate for Plant a Row. Logan’s partnered with the Food Shuttle to take donations and spread the word.

“Logan’s has been an incredible partner of ours,” says Katie Murray, the development relations manager at Inter-Faith. “They have provided an immense amount of support for our garden education programming.” 

Logan’s collects donations from families, community groups and churches. Inter-Faith distributes the produce through several of its programs, including the Mobile Market, a temporary food bank that travels to people in need and allows them to shop for free. 

One pound of produce can supplement four meals, so the 25,000 pounds collected last year helped round out 100,000 meals with fresh vegetables and fruit.

Logan’s hopes to collect 40,000 pounds this year, encouraging gardeners with any level of experience to stop by and impressing on parents the value in teaching their children the joys of gardening and the importance of helping others.

April is the ideal month to start planting a garden in North Carolina, Sweeney says, and almost anything can be planted now, barring the misfortune of a surprise snowfall.

Vegetables gardeners should consider planting lettuce and leafy greens, cucumbers, bell peppers and any variety of beans, including snap beans, lima beans and snow peas. They’re popular with recipients and hold up well during distribution. All produce is accepted and can be dropped off at the store during business hours. 

Events take place every Saturday through April 13th at Logan’s location at 707 Semart Drive. Learn more at logantrd.com or follow them on social media.

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