Plant-A-Row helps stock food banks, meal sites

As people plant gardens this year, they are asked to consider planting an extra row for community food banks and senior meals sites.

Many people spend time in gardens, planning, planting and enjoying bountiful harvests. The Council on Aging and Human Services invites gardeners to drop off extra produce at the office for Whitman County food banks and senior meal sites.

Many seniors don’t get enough fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets. Five servings a day is recommended, but often fresh produce is too expensive for people on a tight budget.

The “Plant a Row for the Hungry” program, which encourages donations from home gardeners, has added a significant amount of produce to the program. Seniors who are no longer able or capable of gardening are very grateful for the fresh produce. It provides an opportunity to reminisce about their gardens and canning adventures of past and provides a nutritious supplement to their meals.

Produce donated over the past years included herbs, apples, prunes, peaches, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, squash, onions, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, cucumbers, corn, cabbage and chili peppers. They cannot accept donations of home canned goods.

Anyone wishing to donate produce may bring vegetables to the Council on Aging and Human Services office, 210 Main Street in Colfax, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.