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Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR)

PAR Logo

 

PAR Sign
PAR Nationally and Locally

Plant A Row (PAR) is a nationwide, people-to-people program sponsored locally by UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Community Food Bank. The goal is to connect home gardeners who grow extra fruits and vegetables with those in our community who are in need of that nutritious food.  PAR volunteers pledge to donate produce through the Community Food Bank's network of food pantries and at PAR-sponsored events.  PAR gardens are excellent projects for families, schools, and youth organizations.

PAR's aim is to make it convenient for home gardeners and others with extra fresh produce to find locations that welcome donations of any size and will guickly distribute the fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need.  PAR Food Pantries is a listing of food pantries and community organizations currently accepting donations.  Leave a message at 456-4151/mailbox #2 if none of these are convenient and a Master Gardener volunteer will contact you to work out an individual arrangement.

Learn more about the Plant A Row for the Hungry's national organization at Garden Writers.  Learn more about hunger in our community at the Fresno Metro Ministry website.

PAR Events and Classes

Citrus Saturdays and SOS for PAR

PAR Class
In the winter months, PAR sponsors a series of Citrus Saturdays.  In 2004, more than 33,000 pounds (16 1/2 tons!) of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and lemons have been donated to PAR and distributed through the Community Food Bank's pantries. 

2008 Citrus Saturday is February 9th.

Free PAR classes taught by UCCE Master Gardeners are offered as a part of Citrus Saturday.  Past classes have been "Growing Citrus in the San Joaquin Valley" and "All About Citrus:  Relative Merits of Varieties and Flavors".  This year's Citrus Saturday class is "All About Citrus Trees" taught by Lee Fanucchi and Rodney Sakaguchi, UC Master Gardeners.

Another PAR FREE class will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 9:30 am - 12 noon at the Garden of the Sun located at 1944 N Winery.  The class will be "Planting Summer Vegetables" taught by Marie Antoniou, UC Master Gardener.  Come learn from the experts and feel like you can plant an extra row this spring to share with others. 

Want to be on PAR's mailing list?  Fill out a PAR Pledge Form or leave your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number on PAR's message phone:  456-4151/mailbox #2.

 

PAR Tables
SOS is PAR's major summer event.  The 2008 SOS (Share Our Surplus) for PAR date is yet to be determined.  Please check back soon.   This event is held at the Garden of the Sun, 1944 N. Winery (north of McKinley).  Home gardeners and small farmers are encouraged to bring extra produce between 8 am and 10 am and those in need may pick up fruit and vegetables for their families between 10 am and 12 pm.  Receipts will be available for donors; no paperwork is required for recipients.

A free PAR Home Gardening class will be offered as a part of this PAR event.  

Have questions about SOS for PAR?  SOS for PAR  flyer or leave a message at 456-4151/Mailbox #2 and a Master Gardener volunteer will return your call.

Vegetable Picture

Gleaning Events

As PAR publicizes its goals and community events, many people call in who have fruit trees which they are unable to pick themselves.  PAR is cooperating with other community organizations in an effort to meet this need and to prevent such tasty and nutritious food from going to waste.  Additionally, fruit trees benefit our urban environment, so a goal of Master Gardeners is to encourage people to maintain healthy home orchards and make good use of the bounty they produce.

To Pledge

Individuals or groups who would be interested in taking part in "gleaning" activities, helping pick the fruit and vegetables that otherwise would go to waste, are urged to volunteer by calling the PAR message phone, 456-4151/mailbox #2.

Local Contributions

 PAR is sponsered locally by the following organizations: