How to Share Summer’s Bounty

We wait for it all year long; the season of scrumptious, sun-ripened foods. Their sweetness is dimmed only by the lingering question; “What to do with those extra beauties still left out on the vine?” It’s a common question of those able to grow, while those who are not are still left wanting. To balance and connect the excess of some, with the scarcity experienced by others, is the Plant-a-Row for the Hungry program. Since 1995, this national initiative has provided more than 80 million meals. It has proven a valuable addition to the Wilton Food pantry since it opened in 2011. “Fresh produce is always an issue, we can never have too much, and locally grown is that much better,” said founding member Dennis Towers. It is a program fueled by the food donations from larger farms such as Vincek Farms in Wilton, and those from backyard gardeners looking to expand their giving circle. For those who decide to give, it can be an opportunity to teach children to get their hands dirty, where food comes from, and how to prepare it, all while building their sense of social responsibility. It’s never too late to sign up, and all it takes to get involved is a simple phone call or quick email stating your intention to participate. “People can donate as little or as much as they want,” said SueAnn DuBois, a gardener and volunteer who has now helped to add this program to all that the Franklin Community Center Food Pantry has to offer. Whether it’s two tomatoes, a few cucumbers, or an extra batch of green beans; they are needed. “Any produce that’s coming in, they are so grateful,” said DuBois. Food pantries don’t just need canned and boxed items with extended shelf lives, but these fresh items that provide so many health benefits. There’s no need to worry if the produce is a little misshapen either. This “homegrown character” as she calls it, is welcome, as well. For 22 years, DuBois has worked with her husband running Chip’s Landscaping, and six years ago she began focusing on education through her Garden Goddess Sense and Sustainability blog and workshops. Plant a Row for the Hungry is a program that syncs up with her gardening philosophy of low maintenance and high yield, she said. “This is the style of program where you can get some skin in the game to feed the hungry in the area,” she said. If you have anything extra from your garden and would like to donate, contact SueAnn DuBois at 518-390-9138 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.