Got Dirt? Grow a Row!

Last Updated on Friday, 29 April 2016 00:14

Washington County Encourages Residents to Grow Food for Those in Need

The Washington County Agricultural Fair, Inc. in partnership with Washington County Farm Bureau and Greater Washington County Food Bank, invite the residents of Washington County to plant a garden and “Grow a Row” for our neighbors in need.

The produce collected from the “extra row” will be donated to Greater Washington County Food Bank (GWCFB) and its pantries. By signing on as a commitment to grow a row, individuals will receive 4-5 seed packets of your choice, generously donated to GWCFB by Seedway, to help you get started. Individuals are encouraged to stop at the Washington County Agricultural Fair Office in Washington or at Greater Washington County Food Bank on National Pike in Centerville – Both offices are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

These seeds can be planted in the garden of your choice – raised beds, containers, or the Washington County Fair – August 13-20, 2016! Participants are also encouraged to show off their beautiful produce at the Washington County Fair! Go to www.washingtonfair.org or request a copy of the Fair Premium Book at the office or call 724-225-7718.
The goal for this “Grow a Row” Initiative is to have 100 gardeners in Washington County donate their extra row of produce to the Greater Washington County Food Bank. The partnership has already reached out to 4-H Members and would like to encourage additional community, church/religious and other youth organizations as well as individuals to participate.

Current statistics of food insecurity in Washington County are as follows:
• Food Insecure Population: 25,410
• Food Insecurity Rate: 12.2%
• Food Insecure Children: 8,140
• Child Food Insecurity Rate: 19.3%
• Population in Poverty: 21,892
• Poverty Rate: 10.8%
• Children under 18 in Poverty: 6,190
• Children under 18 Poverty Rate: 15.1%
• Seniors over 65 in Poverty: 2,568
• Seniors over 65 Poverty Rate: 7%

‘Grow a Row’ produce can be dropped off at the Washington Agricultural Fair during the week of the Fair in Hall 2, or at Greater Washington County Food Bank at 909 National Pike, Brownville, or at any of their 45 food pantries, which can be found at www.GWCFB.org.