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| <p><strong>Connecticut Farmers Can Make a Difference:</strong></p> |
| <p><strong>Join in the Plant A Row (PAR) for the Hungry Campaign</strong></p> |
| <p>May 2, 2007 -- While Connecticut has the highest per capita income in the U.S., approximately 280,000 people here each year are at risk of hunger - 33% are children and 7% are elderly. PAR, working in conjunction with Connecticut Food Bank (CFB), urges all farmers to plant an extra row of produce earmarked for donation, or to donate produce that is not sold, to local hunger-relief efforts. Every extra squash, carrot, or watermelon can go a long way to help feed those who don't have enough to eat every day.</p> |
| <p>"Last year, we collected one ton of fresh produce through PAR," said Marilyn Wilkes, Connecticut PAR volunteer coordinator. "For our second year, we are working to double that number to two tons."</p> |
| <p>The produce that CFB and soup kitchens need most is fruits and vegetables such as spinach, kale, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, peas, green beans, tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants, summer squash, zucchini, winter squash, beets, or garlic. Herbs and flowers also are welcome.</p> |
| <p>To arrange for large donations to be picked up, or for field gleaning, please call 203-937-6939.</p> |
| <p>Clean, fresh produce also can be dropped off at:</p> |
| <p>-- Connecticut Food Bank at 150 Bradley Street, East Haven, CT</p> |
| <p>-- A local food agency in your community - Call 203-469-5000 ext. 322 for listings; or visit www.ctfoodbank.org/links/member.cfm</p> |
| <p> Launched in 1995 in Alaska, the PAR program was developed by the Garden Writers Association of America (www.gardenwriters.org) to encourage gardeners everywhere to grow a little extra and donate the produce to local agencies that serve people in need.</p> |
| <p>For more details about the program or to volunteer, please contact Marilyn Wilkes at 203-937-6939 or visit www.ctfoodbank.org/donate/PlantARow.cfm.</p> |
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