Calling All Gardeners!
Big and small, short and tall, Loaves & Fishes Grow A Row is calling all gardeners! Put your green thumb to work this summer alleviating food insecurity. Plant a row to donate, and help feed your neighbors in need!
What is Grow A Row?
Grow A Row is an initiative from Loaves & Fishes that encourages the local community to support those in need of fresh produce through donations. Whether you are planting your first backyard garden seeds, a roof-top restaurant garden, a local farm or a community garden, you can share your bounty by planting an extra row of your favorite veggies or fruits. Our goal is to eliminate food waste and food insecurity, because everyone deserves fresh and nutritious food!
Anyone can join the Grow A Row project. Loaves & Fishes makes it easy. Plus, all food donations are protected under the 1996 Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. Gardeners who donate fresh fruit and vegetables in good faith to nonprofit organizations are safe from criminal and civil liability if someone becomes sick after eating the produce.
Tips for Safely Donating Your Bounty
Location, Location...
- Grow your garden away from manure piles, garbage cans, septic systems and areas frequented by animals or pets.
Compost & Fertilization
- Commercial compost is safe to apply at any time.
- Have your own pile? Home compost without animal products can be applied after it’s finished.
Water Wise
- Use water that is safe for irrigation.
- Municipal water is tested and safe.
- Well water should be tested annually.
- Avoid using lakes, ponds, rivers and streams as a water source.
Stop the Spray!
- If possible, refrain from using pesticides on crops.
- Click here for a list of less toxic insecticides, like insecticidal soaps and oils, from the Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Harvest Time
- When picking produce, use clean hands or clean gloves.
- Use clean containers for harvesting, storing and transporting produce. Avoid containers that previously held chemicals
What to Donate
- Unwashed produce is safe to donate.
- Gently remove excess soil.
- Oddly shaped produce is acceptable.
- Donated produce should have no signs of mold, spoilage, bruising or insect damage.
- If you don’t have a green thumb, consider making a monetary gift. We’d be so grateful!