Support Plant a Row for the Hungry Project

The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program prepares volunteers to support UGA Cooperative Extension in delivering gardening information to Georgia’s citizens and communities.

Volunteers in this program are trained by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and remain active members through Extension volunteer projects in the counties in which they live. One project near and dear to the Master Gardener Extension Volunteers in Fayette County Georgia is the Plant a Row for the Hungry Project.

The PAR program is a national program which encourages gardeners to plant an extra row to donate to local food banks and other charitable organizations. After hearing about this program in 2000, the Fayette County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers developed a garden with the objective to provide fresh vegetable produce for 100% donation to those in need in Fayette County and other local organizations.

Through partnerships with Pearson Farm, New Hope Baptist Church, Civic organizations, and other local groups, produce has been donated to over 12 charities in Fayette County with extended outreach in Fulton and Clayton Counties. Volunteers spend countless hours preparing the site, planting, harvesting, and managing the garden throughout the growing season.

The UGA Extension Office in Fayette County is proud of the commitment the Fayette Master Gardener Extension Volunteers have for helping the community and giving back in multiple ways. MGEVs have provided nutritious food to those in need and have encouraged other groups to add community/PAR garden in additional counties. They have worked hard to give back and teach fellow volunteers and other organizations about successful gardening methods. For more information about the national PAR program go to http://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/plant-a-row-for-the-hungry/ .

Peachfest is honored have PAR benefit from a portion of the tickets sales and is dedicated to the mission of supporting food banks and other charitable organizations that give nourishment to people in need.

For more information about UGA Cooperative Extension or the Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program, contact your local county Cooperative Extension Office at extension.uga.edu.